Gene Lab

1                                                             Gene Lab Part 1

      1)     Based on your data and observations, what are some of the differences between normal and cancer cells?

When normal cells divide as they go through the process they check to make sure that everything is done right. They take their time and stop if anything it not right. Cancer cells on the other hand divide at such a rapid rate they don’t have time to check or be thorough. 

Normal cells do not move throughout the body (except blood cells.) Cancerous cells however do move throughout the body at a rapid rate depending on the type of cancer.

2  2)   When studying cell division in tissue samples, scientists often calculate a mitotic index, which is the ratio of dividing cells to the total number of cells in the sample. Which type of tissue would have a higher mitotic index, normal or cancerous tissue? Explain

Cancerous cells would have the higher mitotic rate because they divide more rapidly then the normal cells.

3  3)   Different types of normal tissues in the human body have different mitotic indices. From the following list, which normal tissues would you expect to have the highest mitotic index: muscle, skin, kidney, or lung? Explain your answer.

The skin would have the highest mitotic rate because it is constantly being formed within the deeper layers.

 

 

 

Gene Lab Part 2

 

 

 

 

1. Find the number of the chromosome you have been assigned

 

I have chromosome  number 3.

 

 

2. Find four genes on your chromosome that you like by clicking on various symbols in column “Symbol.” Some genes may be more interesting to your than others.

 

The genes I chose are RAF1, CASR,SNCA, and TNFSF10.

 

 

3. Write a complete sentence or two for each describing its action or product. Decipher or explain any words or phrases that do not make sense to you or would be difficult for the average person to understand.

 

1. RAF1 gives instructions on making a protein that is a part of a signaling pathway. The pathway regulates the functions of cells.

2. CASR gives instructions  making  a protein that senses the calcium in the blood. This protein is vital in regulating the calcium in the blood.

3. SNCA is mostly located the rain, but is also in the heart, muscles and other organs. SCNA assists the synaptic vessels; explaining the large number in the brain.

4)TNFRSF10B contains a intracellular death domain. This it believed to cause squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma is a non melanoma skin cancer. 

 

 

1. Pick one gene (I know this is probably a stretch…) of these four that seems the most                        interesting to you. In a few sentences, explain why it is interesting to you.

 

 

I found the RAF1 the most interesting;  it is amazing how the body regulates and balances itself.

 

 

 

 

 

"RAF1.", "CASR","SNCA", and "TNFSF10."

 Genitics Home Reference. US National Library of medicinc, 04 2011. Web. 10 Apr 2014. <http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/RAF1>.