In: Biology
Which of the following will be curable in next two decades?
(a) tuberculosis
(b) cancer
(c) poliomyelitis
(d) none of these.
The correct answer is option (b) cancer
Cancer may be curable in next two decades. The human genome project was completed in May 2006 in which euchromatic regions of the genome were sequenced. The euchromatic regions make up 92% of the human genome. As you know cancer is caused by the malfunctioning of genes, either by the activation of oncogenes or by the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. The sequenced DNA can help in the study of the identification of mutations and malfunctioning of genes. By comparing mutated genes with the normal genes, the genes responsible for causing cancer can be determined.
Polio is not curable but can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines. It is eradicated by preventing infection by providing polio vaccines to every child up to the age of 5 and immunize them until the transmission stops. Tuberculosis is a curable and preventable disease. It is treated by providing a standard 6-month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs.