Single Missing Protein May Result In Down Syndrome And Other Human Chromosomal Birth Defects

• The Florida State University found that when a key molecular player known as Pds5 goes missing, chromosomes fail to segregate and pair up properly, and birth defects such as Down syndrome can result.
• To produce a genetically balanced gamete, the cell must contend with two sets of chromosome pairs.
• During normal meiosis, the process of division that halves the number of chromosomes per cell, Pds5 regulates the pairing and synapsis (joining together) of 'mom and dad' homologs.
• Removing Pds5 during meiosis triggers a chromosomal catastrophe.


Reflection
I chose this article because in the 8th grade we learned a little bit about birth defects and chromosomal disorders. We just went over what they were but not how they happen. That was some I found out more about that by reading this article. I thought it was interesting to find out that one protein had such a big impact on the body and could cause something like Down syndrome. That kind of also has an in depth saying about the world. One person can have such a big impact on the world and everybody gets a chance to leave their mark.

Picture: http://thevibe.socialvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/chromosome.jpg

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916153147.htm

Citation: Florida State University. "Single Missing Protein May Result In Down Syndrome And Other Human Chromosomal Birth Defects." ScienceDaily 17 September 2009. 16 May 2010 .