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Rewriting the Code of Life, White-footed_Mouse,_Cantley,_Quebec, Ixodus…
Rewriting the Code of Life
Biological engineering - the method that will be used to combat the spread of Lyme disease
Genome - the haploid set of chromosomes in a gamete or microorganism, or in each cell of a multicellular organism
DNA sequencing - the process of determining the nucleic acid sequence (the order of nucleotides in DNA)
Gene editing - the manipulation of the genetic material of a living organism by deleting, replacing, or inserting a DNA sequence
Gene drive - a genetic element that introduces a bias in the relative chance of inheritance between distinct versions of a set of genes, enabling one to spread rapidly in a population at the expense of others even if it is disadvantageous to the organism; could be exploited for the genetic modification of whole populations, such as disease-carrying insects
Genetically modified organism - containing genetic material that has been artificially altered so as to produce a desired characteristic
Mendelian inheritance - refers to patterns of inheritance that are characteristic of organisms that reproduce sexually
Mutations - the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes
Diseases
Lyme disease - one of the fastest spreading diseases in North America, with no current vaccinations for humans; transmitted by ticks; a form of arthritis caused by bacteria that are transmitted by ticks
Ticks - infect the mice with Lyme; parasitic arachnids
White-footed mice - the principal reservoir of Lyme disease; spread Lyme to humans; a common deer mouse with white feet, found in the US and Mexico
Transmission cycle - transmission from current to future host; from tick, to mouse, to human
Mutations
Immunity - mice will be able to respond to the attack of the pathogens, resulting in an immune reaction against Lyme disease; the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized
Resistance - the ability not to be affected by pathogens, fall ill due to diseases
Antibodies - a blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen; combine chemically with substances which the body recognises as alien, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances in the blood; will be the mice's response in the fight against Lyme bacteria
Genetically modified - containing genetic material that has been artificially altered so as to produce a desired characteristic
Ecology - the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings
Ecological problem - a change in the natural environment, leading to a disruption of the structure and functioning of nature
Ethical problem - situations in which an agent stands under two conflicting moral requirements, none of which overrides the other
Scientific transparency - way to promote reproducibility, progress, and trust in research
Successful project
Pros & Cons
Pros
On the path of eradication of deadly pathogens in an area
Reduction of wild rodent numbers
Reduce rates of child death
Will open a road to combating other diseases, such as malaria or dengue
Reduce cases of Lyme disease
Cons
Unclear results of ecological biodiversity changes
Release of genetically modified rodents, that can be harmful to the environment
Will require experimentation on wildlands
Mutations of pathogens can evolve and potentially become even more dangerous
Can be expensive to apply in big scales; cost when used in poorer countries
Scientific revolution
Humans
