My Project
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I wanted to learn more about genetics and DNA. I decided to make a DNA model showing the four different types of nucleotides, deoxyribose sugars, and phosphates. I also created a little sign to showcase the genetic differences between humans and our canine friends. For fun, I added a lab where I attempted to extract DNA from an apple
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The LabLink to lab instructions:
http://sciencecafe.org/content/extract-dna-from-fruit/ We actually did this lab successfully in class with strawberries. I wanted to try a different fruit when I did it at home so I used apples. I did two trials and I was not able to see any DNA in either. It may have been because of human error but, I'm not entirely sure. |
Research - FactsHumans share an 84% similarity in their genetic code with dogs. They share nearly 400 hereditary diseases with humans. This is important because scientists use dogs to study human diseases.
Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes compared to humans' 23 pairs of chromosomes. However, their chromosomes are smaller than ours. They have in total 2.8 billion letters. Humans have 3.3 billion letters. Dogs, usually young beagles, are used in cancer research, genectic studies, development of prosthetic devices, cardiovascular studies, heart and lung research and many others. An example of a gene both species share is IGF-1 which is a gene that helps control growth. A deficiency of this can lead to growth disorders in humans. All mammals possess retroviruses, which are viruses that incorporate their DNA into that of their host's. Scientists have recently discovered a group of this retroviral material in dogs that is extremely similar to humans. They hypothize that dogs and humans passed these genes to eachother. If this is true, then studying how dogs protect themselves from these might help humans protect themselves. |
Pictures!
Sources:
http://education.seattlepi.com/animals-share-human-dna-sequences-6693.html
https://www.genome.gov/26524120/
http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/genetics
http://www.neavs.org/research/biomedical
https://www.good.is/articles/how-studying-dog-dna-helps-scientists-understand-human-disease
https://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow/canine-chromosomes-humans/#
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43172450/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/dogs-humans-share-dna-thanks-viruses/#.WDuiQvkrK00
http://education.seattlepi.com/animals-share-human-dna-sequences-6693.html
https://www.genome.gov/26524120/
http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/genetics
http://www.neavs.org/research/biomedical
https://www.good.is/articles/how-studying-dog-dna-helps-scientists-understand-human-disease
https://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow/canine-chromosomes-humans/#
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43172450/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/dogs-humans-share-dna-thanks-viruses/#.WDuiQvkrK00