is it true the function of each gene in organisms, like humans, is still unknown but RNAi is helping scientists figure it all out?
2006-11-22 11:10:39 · 7 answers · asked by Ria 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Finding out the function of each gene is a complex procedure. But once a gene is identified and singled out, silencing it by means of RNA interference is a great way to find out how it works, yes.
I just wanted to add some comments.
There is some confusion with respect to what knowing the entire genome can and cannot do.
A gene is defined as a portion of DNA that codes for a protein.
However, differences during the translation from DNA to protein can result in different proteins with quite different properties. In the past, when genes were first discovered and studied, it was believed that each gene coded for a protein, and each protein determined a character. Many people still believe that there is a "blue eye gene" or a "intelligence gene". This is not so.
With some exceptions, each character that we perceive as such (for instance, curly hair, large flowers) is the result of the interaction of several alleles (the "versions" of each gene that we carry), as well as other processes and phenomena that occur between the translation of a protein and the full development of a living being (called epigenetic factors).
That being said, RNA interference is a great tool to learn more about the effects of specific genes, yes. Hopefully people will understand that in the case of complex systems such as living beings, and humans specifically, the separate study of each part is not enough to understand the whole.
2006-11-22 11:57:31 · answer #1 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are many genes whose function we don't know, only sequence (& the predicted protein sequence). RNAi is one tool but actually less useful since it is only for a few genes RNAi is made in the body. If you mean antisense technology, that too has its limitations. Other techniques are knockout mice, sequence comparisons & sometimes plain luck.
2006-11-22 11:57:17 · answer #2 · answered by Amlament 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi Yes, it is true. Having a map of the human genome is just a start. RNAi is helping science to understand but we are decades (I think) from true profound understanding.
2006-11-22 11:15:18 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We still don't know what all the genes do, but the Human Genome Project is in the midst of mapping all human genes. There are also some for other species.
We do know what some genes do, though.
2006-11-22 11:13:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jakari 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no Ria it is not true . there is 30 000 genes in our gene map and each one encodes for a specific protein and all functions of these proteins are known . however there is still some info to know
2006-11-22 11:15:05 · answer #5 · answered by rollingstone 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-26 02:03:00 · answer #6 · answered by knab 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-11-22 11:13:43 · answer #7 · answered by Kaitlin B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋