The Black Sheep, Pearl....

a: Mutation ~
b: black pearl in a necklace of white pearls

What: Or something. This analogy refers to a single point mutation, that is a single change in a DNA base that gives rise to a single amino acid change in a protein. The classic example is that taught in basic biochemistry, Sickle Cell Anemia. A single mutation in a gene leads to a change in an amino acid in Hemoglobin, which deforms the shape of these cells within human blood. Think of that change, that mutation , as a black pearl in a string of white pearls. That ones change can cause many physiological problems. This of course is the text book case. Many diseases are MUCH more complicated than this, but this example helps to realistically prime the mind.

Useful?
Writer: Lucretia
LCC: QP
Where: Reference Link Has Evaporated
Date: May 13 2013 11:41 AM


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