Mutations and Disease

Both of the books we will be reading deal with diseases that are inherited - which means they involve permanent changes in our genes that are passed on to offspring. Below are two explanations of how this happens - one is extremely short, but still explains all that you need to know in order to fully appreciate the issues in the books. That’s followed by a section that provides a much more complete explanation of the relationship between genes and disease.

I want this class to be enjoyable and helpful for you! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about these issues, or to present some of this info during class - we can discuss what would work best for you via email (brackerw@gmail.com) or in class.

Short and sweet: Our genes are like the plans, or blueprints, for a house. If the architect (or a malignant meddler!) makes random changes (mutations) to the blueprints (DNA), the house will turn out differently - maybe better, but much more likely worse! (To carry this analogy further, if the part of the plans that are “messed up” is used to create another house, then that house too, will “inherit” the problem rooms!)

More complete (but hopefully still accessible):

Below are links to resources that provide more detailed explanations or give additional information. Brack created the PowerPoint presentations, which have audio narration and also have written information in the Notes Section of each slide.

1. Chromosomes, Genes and the “Central Dogma”

2. Proteins, the Genetic Code and Mutations

3. DNA Sequencing, SNPs and Mutations