Estey,+A.

=**//Hereditary Diseases - Genetics - Post #1 Dec 1st, 2016//**=

//Once we began the unit on Genes and gene mutation I instantly wanted to know more about them. I knew I wouldn't actually take the time out of my already super busy schedule to actually do some research on it or re read my notes, so doing these wikis gives me an excuse to actually do so! I decided to go with hereditary diseases just because I think it's pretty cool how something so small as DNA can have such a drastic effect on the body.// = =

**//What are hereditary diseases/disorders//**
//Hereditary diseases are the passing, or capability of passing on diseases naturally from parent to offspring through genes. They are also know as genetic disorders or inherited diseases and may be passed on within the family if there is a mutant gene present. In order for Genetic disorders to occur one of two things must happen; they can be caused by a mutation in on gene, which is known as a [|monogenic disorder], or by mutations in multiple genes known as [|multifactorial inheritance disorder]. They can also be caused by a combination of gene mutations, environment factors or by damage done to chromosomes (the structure that carries genes).//

**//Genetic Disorders and Genetic Engineering//**
//Genetic engineering is the modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material. Scientists can use this to help prevent children being born with genetic disorders by genetically manipulating their DNA to remove the disorder and replace it with a healthy strand of DNA. This could only be done really with the less complex disorders. M////ost genetic disorders cannot be treated so it is in our best interest to try and find a way to prevent them rather than spending countless amounts of money trying to find treatments. This is still in its experimenting stages so we still have a long way to go but things like [|CRISPR] have helped us speed up the process.//

Explanation of Dominant and Recessive Hereditary Diseases
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Origin Of Birds
The idea is that birds are a group of theropod dinosaurs that evolved during the Mesozoic Era. Birds share several skeletal features with [|Dinosaurs]. Fossil evidence shows that birds and dinosaurs share features like hollow bones, gastroliths in the digestive system and common behavior like nest building and [|brooding]. There has also been fossils of more than 20 different species of dinosaurs that have been discovered and collected with preserved feathers much like birds today. = =

Objections to this theory
Some researchers have raised ideas that may disprove this idea. One being that the gap between fossil records of the last known bird and the [|dromaeosaurs], probable sister group of birds. Another argument would be the putative differences between theropod and birds body types like finger development, lung morphology, and ankle bone [|morphology]. These ideas have been hard to prove as the researchers have no solid evidence to prove these points. As more fossils are being discovered its clearer to see that there is a relationship between Dinosaurs and birds.



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Symptoms

 * ====__Tremors:__ A tremor or shaking usually begin in some part of the body usually the hands or fingers.====


 * ====__Slowed movement:__ Over time Parkinson's may reduce or slow your movement, making easy tasks a lot more difficult.====


 * ====__Rigid Muscles:__ Muscles any where in your body may become very stiff for long periods of time.====


 * ====__Impaired Posture/Balance:__ Your posture may become stooped, and/or you may have balance problems====
 * ====__Impaired Posture/Balance:__ Your posture may become stooped, and/or you may have balance problems====


 * __ Loss of Automatic Movements: __ May have decreased ability to perform unconscious actions like blinking, smiling or moving your arms when you walk.

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What Happens to the Body?
When a person has Parkinson's, vital brain cells called neurons begin to die off. The disease primarily affects the neurons in the area of the brain called the [|substainia nigra]. These dying [|Neurons] produce an important chemical called Dopamine, which is responsible for sending messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As Parkinson's progresses people slowly begin lose movement in there body to the point where you can no longer move anymore. The scariest part about this disease is that while your body is slowly shutting down your brain is still 100% efficient. You basically are just sitting there thinking, not being able to move or anything.



Treatment
There is no cure or set treatment for Parkinson's. Doctors usually just give some medication to slow symptoms to allow patients the longer period of a normal life with out the worry of tremors or other affects of the disease. It causes low [|dopamine] levels, however dopamine cannot be giving directly as it cannot enter the brain. The drugs are only a temperate solution as they prevent symptoms for a while but eventually Parkinson's takes over and there is nothing else the doctors can do. It is a complicated disease that has a rare chance of finding a cure.