Chromosome+10

Chromosome 10

135 million base pairs
 * ([|Chromosome 10], May 9, 2012) **

Excerpt:

“It is time to visit a much more social gene, a gene whose whole function is to integrate some of the many different functions of the body, and a gene whose existence gives the lie to the mind-body dualism that plagues our mental image of the human person.”
 * (Ridley, M., 1999) **

Gene 1: The CHAT gene

This gene provides instruction for the protein choline acetyltransferase. This protein produces a molecule called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is what enables muscle movement. In this molecular process, ions flow into and out of muscle cells and allow muscles to contract and relax. Mutations in the CHAT gene lead to syndromes that decrease muscle movement and strength.
 * ([|CHAT Gene], May 9, 2012) **

Gene 2: The PTEN gene

This gene gives instructions for making the PTEN protein, which is found in almost all cells in the body. This protein helps regulate the cell cycle of division by keeping cells from growing and reproducing out of control. The PTEN enzyme signals the cells to stop dividing and kill the cell (apoptosis.) This ability to prevent uncontrolled growth is useful in preventing tumors from developing. The PTEN enzyme also controls cell movement and adhesion to surrounding tissues, and the formation of new blood vessels.
 * ([|PTEN Gene], May 9, 2012) **

Chromosome 10 Disorder:

Distal Trisomy is a very rare disorder that occurs when the end portion of the long arm of chromosome 10 appears three times instead of twice in the cells. It begins to affect the fetus by slowing growth and continues to affect the baby after birth. Symptoms include diminished muscle tone, various degrees of mental retardation, and other severe developmental delays. Kids with Distal Trisomy have malformations of external body parts and limbs as well as internal organs. Symptoms range depending on the exact problem that has occurred with chromosome 10. The problem with the chromosome usually is inherited from one of the parents.
 * ([|Distal Trisomy], May 9, 2012) **



Issac was born at 33 weeks weighing 2 lbs., 8ozs.

Interesting Fact:

Loss of all or part of chromosome 10 is related to some forms of cancer such as brain tumors called gliomas. Researchers believe that this demonstrates how genes can control the growth of cells and thus keep cancer from developing. Scientists are studying this aspect of genes to try to prevent cancers.

References:

1. Ridley, M. (1999). Personality. Genome: the autobiography of a species in 23 chapters(pp. 147-160). New York: Harper Collins. 2. One Day At A Time: The Beginning. (n.d.). //One Day At A Time //. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from http://isaacegrove.blogspot.com/p/where-it-all-began.html 3. PTEN - phosphatase and tensin homolog - Genetics Home Reference. (n.d.). //Genetics Home Reference - Your guide to understanding genetic conditions //. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/PTEN 4.Chromosome 10 - Genetics Home Reference. (n.d.). //Genetics Home Reference - Your guide to understanding genetic conditions //. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/chromosome=10 5. One Day At A Time: The Beginning. (n.d.). //<span style="background-color: #efefef; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">One Day At A Time //<span style="background-color: #efefef; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from http://isaacegrove.blogspot.com/p/where-it-all-began.html