ABSTRACT
1.1 Introduction: Where is the Gene?
One of the main goals in modern genetics is to locate the gene (or genes) that is (are) responsible for a certain trait. Once the gene is located, we can pursue the following investigations:
Identify the difference between a normal gene and an abnormal gene.
Find the protein (enzyme) that this gene produces and consequently treat patients with the normal protein.
Use the abnormal protein to understand different physiological pathways. For example, if a person cannot digest lactose because of a gene, then we know that the protein produced by this gene is in the pathway of lactose digestion.
By screening early, a person who is susceptible to a certain disease can be informed. Preventive measures may then be possible.
Once the difference between a bacteria gene and human gene that perform the same function is found, a drug that can kill the bacteria, but is not poisonous to humans, can be manufactured. The same idea can be used to treat cancer cells.
We may be able to remove or implant a gene in animals and plants so that the modified organism can express more desirable traits, such as frost resistance.
