Submitted by: Submitted by MiamiJade
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Category: Science and Technology
Date Submitted: 11/19/2013 02:40 PM
Development and Improvement of Gene Expression
Data Structure and Algorithms
In our near future just phrases as, “Nurse please order drug XYZ124 for Mr. Johnson” will be heard. The advancement of personalized medicine for patients is around the corner. Doctors and pharmaceuticals companies will be able to develop special formulated drugs for patients/consumers based on their genes. With that statement the following question is developed: “How is that possible?” The answer is concealed within gene expression.
Gene expression is known to be the process in which information from a gene is in the synthesis of a functional gene product. The products are most commonly proteins. The macromolecular machinery for life or the entire process for gene expression is used for all life form that is known in prokaryotes, eukaryotes and even viruses. Within the genetic field gene expression is the elementary level that genotypes give rise to the phenotype. Gene expression interprets the genetic codes and the expression products give rise to the organism’s phenotype. There are several steps needed within the gene expression process that are modulated, including the transcription, RNA splicing, translation and post-translational modification of a protein (see figure 1. The cell’s control over function and structure is done by gene regulation. The versatility adaptability of any organism including the basis of cellular differentiation is done by gene regulation (What is gene expression, 2009).
A gene is expressed through a two step process in which the genes DNA is transcribed into ribonucleic acid (RNA), and then translated into the corresponding protein including DNA, this is known as the central dogma. Around 1990 the technology of gene expression microarrays was developed and introduced into the forthcoming biotechnology field at that time. The measurement of transcription of single genes is not a new function however the ability to measure several...