馃К馃 GENETICS: ARE CELLS MORE IMPORTANT THAN DNA? 馃馃К
Based on an Alfonso Mart铆nez Arias research, genes might not define the singularity of a person. It can be revolutionary because this idea says that the human identity is not the ADN. To support it, Mart铆nez uses the Karen Keegan case, that is a woman who was the result of the fusion of 2 eggs. This fusion leads to have 2 DNA sequences (genomes).
In the book "Master Builders" [Martinez Arias] are quoted the selfish-genne idea [by Richard Dowkings]. Dowkings argues that we are machines blindly programmed in order to preserve selfish molecules (genes), we are the survival vehicle of genes. People change and are replaced, but not genes. So, an organism are product of cells, but gennes only gives the materials. Organism can change in order to gennes can be preserved.
Arias says that the DNA sequence is not an instruction manual or a map, it is just a box of materials to build cells, which are the true controllers of time and space. The best test is how the fertilized egg is available to form millions more cells. That is why the same genome (DNA sequence) can build an eye, a liver, a lung or any other part: the cells are the queens.
Arias says that "gastruloids" are the key.... They are structures that partially imitate the human embryo, and are responsible for construction. There is no organizational plan in the genome. Therefore, this capacity for self-organization could be an exclusive property of cells.
"Gastruloids" can only be formed with 400 cells; no less, no more. Thanks to them, a brain or skin cell can differentiate, despite coming from the same DNA. The "Gastrulation" can be a kind of dance where 400 cells dance (after the union of egg + sperm) to have the first human sketch, after 20 days.
For many reasons, the above can spark many debates. One of them is related with biotechnology companies. Mart铆nez says that many DNA-based medical trials might be a failure. It means that many investments based on DNA could be not optimal or unprofitables. Perhaps, efforts should go to cellular medicine, not to that based on DNA or RNA.
In that sense, the graph shows the margins (last reports on May-Jun 2024) of the 20 largest biotechnology companies on Wall Street. It is for illustrative purposes only. Some may have projects based on RNA and DNA, but this could change if Science shows more evidence and advances.
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J. Joel Padilla
Copyright: Joel Padilla 2024
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