Question

Describe tumor-inducing properties of a gene that causes a type of cancer in human blood cells. How can this disease be treated. Why is it necessary to treat individuals with the same cancer type through personalized medicine approach?

Describe and differentiate the conjugation, transformation, and transduction processes that allow genes to be horizontally transferred.

Answer 1

1)A tumor inducing property of a gene that cause a type of cancer in human blood cells are mutation. it can be either due to point mutations as in case of leukemia or due to chromosomal translocation that alters the normal gene expression as in case of Burkitt's lymphoma or chronic myelogenous leukemia. so, basically it is the gain of function mutation which converts the protoncogenes into oncogenes therby causing the tumor cell proliferation.

2) this disease can be treated by the proper combination of treatment methods like chemotherapy, blood transfusion, radiationt theapy, Target therapy and stem cell transplantation.

3)Every individual although having the same type of cancer needs to be treated through personalized approach beacuse every individual have different medical history, bodies tolerance , allergies, immunity and different responding mechanism. And above all that the stage and severity of cancer varies from person to person depending upon the stage of diagnosis. so treatment should always cater to the need and usefulness for the particular individual by seeing the severity and stage of the cancer.

4) Difference between conjugation, transformation, and transduction processes that allow genes to be horizontally transferred:-

a) conjugation - Here, DNA is transferred via sexual pilus and it requires cell to cell contact to form the bridge like connection between the cell which helps im gene transfer.

b) Transformation- Here, a short fragment of DNA is naturally upatken from its surrounding via cell membrane by the transformable bacteria. No cell to cell contact rather an intervening medium and suitable environment is required.

c) Transduction- Here, the DNA is transferred from one bacterium to other bacteria by the use of bacteriophage virus. so a vector is required for the transfer of DNA.