Genetic Engineering Successes and Modern Health Challenges
The Algeciras Child: A Genetic Success Story
The child from Algeciras was conceived using assisted reproductive technologies and was genetically selected to save the life of his brother. He has endured an ordeal that concluded with a happy ending. Andrés, now seven years old, has overcome severe congenital anemia (Beta-Thalassemia major) thanks to a transplant of umbilical cord blood from the baby, which allowed him to regenerate his bone marrow.
The child received intensive chemotherapy to destroy the stem cells in his bone marrow, thereby preparing his body for the transplant. On January 23, the transplant was performed using umbilical cord blood, which was injected through a central catheter.
Understanding Swine Flu (H1N1) Protocols
Incubation period: 10 days
Clinical Criteria
Anyone who meets any of the following conditions:
- Fever higher than 37.5 ºC and any signs or symptoms of acute respiratory infection.
- Pneumonia (severe respiratory infection).
- Death due to acute respiratory illness of unknown cause.
Epidemiological Criteria
Anyone who meets any of the following conditions within 10 days prior to the onset of symptoms:
- Have visited an area where human cases have been reported for the influenza A/H1N1 virus of swine origin (notably, Mexico has seen sustained transmission between humans for H1N1).
- Have been in close contact with a person diagnosed as a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza of swine origin.
- Be a laboratory worker accidentally exposed to the virus from patients suspected to be a case.
Gene Therapy and Hereditary Diseases
Gene Therapy: This involves using genes to cure and relieve both inherited and acquired diseases. This cure works because it replaces the DNA of the mutated gene with normal DNA.
Hereditary Conditions
- Chromosomal: Down syndrome (Chromosome +21).
- Monogenic: A single gene disorder, such as cystic fibrosis produced on an autosome.
Preimplantation Diagnosis
This refers to a medical diagnosis performed before an embryo is implanted.
Risks Associated with Biotechnology
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) examples and risks:
- Loss of genetic diversity.
- The leap of transferred genes to other wildlife (transposons: fragments of DNA that can jump from one species to another).
- Adverse effects on health, such as allergies.
The Process of Cloning a Gene
Cloning a gene is a technique that allows for the duplication of a DNA fragment an unlimited number of times in a test tube. This technique can produce millions of identical molecules from a single DNA molecule.
The Cyclic Reaction Process
- The DNA molecule to be copied is heated to denature and separate the two strands.
- Each strand is copied by DNA polymerase. (We use DNA polymerase from a bacterium that lives in hot springs, Thermus aquaticus, as the enzyme can work at high temperatures).
- The newly formed chains are separated again by heat and start a new cycle of copies. These cycles are repeated.