A case can be made that the sedentary way of life characteristicof many people today is a very recent development in humanhistory, dating from at most a century or so ago. According to thisline of argument, physical exertion was a regular part of daily lifefor most people during most of human evolution. From this pointof view, in what way do recent gene-transcription data suggestthat physical exertion is in fact probably essential for full health?

A case can be made that the sedentary way of life characteristicof many people today is a very recent development in humanhistory, dating from at most a century or so ago. According to thisline of argument, physical exertion was a regular part of daily lifefor most people during most of human evolution. From this pointof view, in what way do recent gene-transcription data suggestthat physical exertion is in fact probably essential for full health?

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305251052

Author:Michael Cummings

Publisher:Michael Cummings

Chapter16: Reproductive Technology, Genetic Testing, And Gene Therapy

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 14QP: Is gene transfer a form of eugenics? Is it advantageous to use gene transfer to eliminate some...

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. The upper forelimbs of humans and bats have fairly similarskeletal structures, whereas the corresponding bones inwhales have very different shapes and proportions. However,genetic data suggest that all three kinds of organisms divergedfrom a common ancestor at about the same time. Which ofthe following is the most likely explanation for these data?(A) Forelimb evolution was adaptive in people and bats, butnot in whales.(B) Natural selection in an aquatic environment resulted insignificant changes to whale forelimb anatomy.(C) Genes mutate faster in whales than in humans or bats.(D) Whales are not properly classified as mammals.
Full or partial limblessness has evolved many times invertebrates (snakes, lizards, manatees, whales). Do youexpect the mutations that occurred in the evolution oflimblessness to be in the coding or noncoding sequencesof toolkit genes? Why?
Which statement/s can best explain how evolutionary perspective help us understand senescence? (a) Evolutionary theory allows scientists to compare closely related species that differ inhow they invest in reproduction and in body maintenance, to test for effects on the agingprocess. (b) Understanding evolution can generate predictions about how individuals with certain suites of life-history characteristics might fare in the aging process when compared to other individuals without those characteristics. (c) Because aging is a natural process for all species, explaining its evolution through natural selection is insufficient. (d) Evolutionary studies provides insight into the historical development of adaptations, such as the number of offspring an individual has, that may contribute to life-history trade-offs, such as aging. A. Three of the 4 statements are correct. B. (a) and (d) C. (a) only D. (b) and (c)
Through GWAS explorations, scientists have identified several SNPs linked to obesity in people who livein the United States. One of these SNPs was within agene called FTO. Interestingly, a common FTO variant is associated with obesity, but only in people bornafter 1945. Moreover, the later the birth year, thehigher the risk for obesity associated with this variantof FTO. Why would a genetic risk factor for obesityvary by birth year?
Among the most prevalent pathologies that afflicthuman beings is heart disease, which can have a severeimpact on quality of life and can even result in prematuredeath. While heart disease mostly afflicts those who areolder, 1% or 2% of people in their 30s, and even in their20s, suffer from this disease. Genetic and environmentalcomponents of this disease exist. What strategy mightyou use to choose families to participate in a GWAS ofheart disease–causing genes? Explain your reasoning.
Because all known living organisms share a common system for storing and utilizing genetic information, it would suggest: that all life forms on Earth share a common ancestor that the study of one organism’s genes may reveal principles that apply to other organisms thatgenesfromoneorganismcouldpossiblyfunctioninanotherorganism that all of the above ideas (1-4) are likely
Insects have three thoracic (trunk) segments. While researchershave found insect fossils with pairs of wings on all threesegments, modern insects have wings or related structureson only the second and third segment. It turns out thatin modern insects, Hox gene products act to inhibit wingformation on the first segment. The treehopper insect (above)is somewhat of an exception. In addition to having wingson its second segment, the treehopper’s first segment has anornate helmet that resembles a set of thorns, which a recentstudy has found to be a modified, fused pair of “wings.” Thethorn-like structure helps to camouflage the treehopper intree branches, thus reducing its risk of predation. Explain howchanges in gene regulation could have led to the evolution ofsuch a structure.
Consider Lamarck’s idea in a hypothetical situation. For example, you decided that when you have children, you want them to be big ang strong. You decided to go to the gym every day for a year. You did all your exercise routines diligently and you were able to develop really bulky and toned muscles because you believed that your kids would inherit your big impressive muscles. Do you think this would work? Justify your answer using the concepts you have learned from Genetics, as well as Darwin’s concept of evolution.
Knowledge of the genomes of ancient homininsmight help us better understand not only the evolutionaryhistory of hominins, but also the traits that differ between usand our relatives—the traits that make us human. Our understandingof the functions of different genes is growing rapidly,so detailed comparisons of our genes to those present in, say,Neanderthals and Denisovans are very revealing. What do youthink are the functions most likely to be related to the geneticdifferences between us and our hominin relatives?
Certain genes influence the probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions that occur mostly in old age. Given that the genes controlling old age have their onset long after people have stopped having children, how could evolution have any effect on such genes?
Some mutations result in proteins that function well at onetemperature but are nonfunctional at a different (usuallyhigher) temperature. Siamese cats have such a “temperaturesensitive” mutation in a gene encoding an enzyme that makesdark pigment in the fur. The mutation results in the breed’sdistinctive point markings and lighter body color (see thephoto). Using this information and what you learned in thechapter, explain the pattern of the cat’s fur pigmentation
A controversial issue, closely related to cloning, that has caused a lot of debate is the use of embryonic stem cells. One possible application of these cells is that they may be able to supply replacement tissues to treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, and other degenerative diseases. The word "embryonic", has caused fierce opposition to this type of research because embryos are destroyed when the stem cells are removed. Questions that have surfaced in this debate include: When a cell nucleus is transferred to another cell, have we created life? Does a stem cell have the same status as a human? What should be done with the embryos that are leftover at in vitro fertilization (IVF), clinics? Advocates argue that the medical benefits of stem cell research would be enormous. Opponents argue that life begins at conception and thus this type of research is abortion. Based on what you have read, explain why you are for or against stem…