Chromosome+5

=__Chromosome #5__=

__Size:__
Chromosome 5 is approximately 181 million base pairs long, which form around 1,000 different genes. The genetic information located on this chromosome accounts for about 6% of the DNA in a human cell. ([|Chromosome 5])

__Excerpt from Genome:__
Ridley (1999) shows evidence that genetics are not as simple as they may seem:

Your looks are affected not by a single 'looks' gene, but by lots of them, and by non-genetic factors as well, fashion and free will prominently among them. Chromosome 5 is a good place to start muddying the genetic waters by trying to build a picture that is a little more complicated, a little more subtle and a little more grey than I have painted so far. (p. 66) ur moma gey lol frick fact umba 1

__**Gene 1: Pikachurin (EGFLAM)**__ Pikachurin is an essential protein that is located on chromosome 5. This polysaccharide transfers light from the eyes to the brain and processes it quickly. Without this protein, there would be a delay in our sight and everything we see would be delayed from when it actually occured. This crucial protein was named after the famous pokemon, Pikachu. According to Sato (2008), " This may also advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the retinal electrophysiological abnormalities observed in muscular dystrophy patients." This statement means the discovery of this protein could help treat other diseases and conditions. ([|Pikachurin])

__**Gene 2: FGF1**__ This very important gene codes for Heparin-binding growth factor 1, which is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family. Proteins in this group contribute greatly to the well being of a human. For example, they assist embryonic development, cell growth, tissue repair, and the attack of tumors. Also, it is thought to be involved in the formation of organs. ([|FGF1]) Green (2005) states, "The consensus view that this reflects a role for one or other of the nine known members of the fibroblast growth factor family in these processes has recently been challenged by the suggestion that FGFRs might be directly activated by a much wider range of ligands, including heparan sulphate proteoglycans and neural cell adhesion molecules." This shows that FGF1 may assist more biological processes than scientists originally thought, showing how important this gene is to us. ([|Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors])

__**Disorder: Cri-du-chat Syndrome**__ Cri-du-chat syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders and is caused by the deletion of a portion of chromosome 5. It has been seen in anywhere between 1 - 20,000 and 1 - 50,000 infants.The name means "Cry of the Cat" in French. This is because the most notorious symptom of this syndrome is a respiratory problem resulting in the baby's cry sounding like a cat. This is easily diagnosed before the age of two because after that the cry is less noticeable and symptoms can be seen as early as birth. Luckily, Cri-du-chat syndrome is not lethal and can be treated symptomatically to help affected individuals life their lives. ([|Cri-du-Chat Syndrome])



__**Interesting Fact:**__

**Did you know?**
Chromosome 5 is one of the largest chromosomes, yet it has the least number of genes for its size because there are many spaces without genes! ([|Homo sapiens])

References Chromosome 5. (2010, February). ghr.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from []

Ridley, M. (1999). Environment.Genome: the autobiography of a species in 23 chapters (pp. 65- 75). New York: HarperCollins

Cri-du-Chat Syndrome. (n.d.).Learn.Genetics™. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from []

Sato, S., Omori, Y., Sawai, H., Kobayashi, K., Tani, A., Toda, T., et al. (2008, August 11). Pikachurin, a dystroglycan ligand, is essential... [Nat Neurosci. 2008] - PubMed - NCBI. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from []

FGF1 fibroblast growth factor 1 (acidic) [Homo sapiens] - Gene - NCBI. (n.d.). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from []

Green, P., Walsh, F., & Doherty, P. (2005, February 5). Promiscuity of fibroblast growth factor receptors - Green - 2005 - BioEssays - Wiley Online Library. Wiley Online Library. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from []

Homo sapiens - Home. (n.d.). JGI Genome Portal - Home. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from []