Genetic Mutation

What is a Genetic Mutation?

A gene mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. The genetic mutation I chose to research is Breast Cancer. Cancer results when cells accumulate genetic errors and multiply without control. Today, most inherited cases of breast cancer have been associated with two genes: BRCA1, which stands for BReast CAncer gene one, and BRCA2, or BReast CAncer gene two. The function of these genes is to keep breast cells growing normally and to prevent any cancer cell growth. But when these genes contain abnormalities, or mutations, they are associated with an increased breast cancer risk. Abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may account for up to 10% of all breast cancers. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene often have a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both. But it's also important to remember that most women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Identifying BRCA1 and BRCA2 has led to new techniques for lowering, detecting, and treating breast cancer, and lowering the risk for the disease. For women who wish to be tested, we can now establish whether the two genes are normal or not.

News Article

Bigger Thomas is doomed, trapped in a downward spiral that will lead to arrest, prison, or death, driven by despair, frustration, poverty, and incomprehension. As a young black man in the Chicago of the '30s, he has no way out of the walls of poverty and racism that surround him, and after he murders a young white woman in a moment of panic, these walls begin to close in. There is no help for him--not from his hapless family; not from liberal do-gooders or from his well-meaning yet naive friend Jan; certainly not from the police, prosecutors, or judges. Bigger is debased, aggressive, dangerous, and a violent criminal. As such, he has no claim upon our compassion or sympathy.

Bloom's Taxonomy ?- Evaluation

6. How would you feel if a friend pressured you into robery...?



If a friend tried pressuring me into robbing someone, I probably wouldn't fall for it. I am a strong a person and I don't usually do what other people say. I do what I want, when I want, no hesitation.While a friend was pressuring me, I would feel betrayed. Betrayed because after I said no then that should be the end of the story. My real friend would understand that and not want to push me into anything I wouldn't want to do. I would also feel set up because what if we get caught? That's like my friend is telling me to do wrong, telling me to get locked up.Your real friends want the best for you and they want you to succeed in life. It doesn't matter if they have nothing ahead of you then they wouldn't drag you down with them. I would reevaluate who were my friends and how much I mean to them.Obviously, Gus wasn't Bigger's great friend if he was so mad when Bigger wouldn't take the fall with him. Yes, a friends suppposed to back you up in what you do but not when it would mess up both of your futures. Bigger and Gus would be just another statistic.

Bloom's Taxonomy ?- Synthesis

5. Can you see a possible solution in bigger's lifestyle..?

So far Bigger Thomas has a troubled life. He lives in a small apartment with a couple of family members. There is clearly not enough room for a growing teenage boy. His neighborhood is trashy, filled with polution and his neighbor's aren't quite what you would call classy. He is surrounded by drugs, violence and most people who don't have father's.A possible solution to Bigger's lifestyle would him to strive to achieve over the possibility's of his neighborhood and to create his own standards. He would have to believe in himself. He could get his education and plan to succeed in the future. Bigger wouldn't have to rob someone to get what he wanted. Bigger is resting on the expectations given to him from the soceity as a poor African American boy. The odds aren't for him to go to any further than the streets by soceity. If he went above and beyond he could pass school and get a job. Since he would be the oddball out it would be easy for him to get scholarships.Bigger's lifestyle could be shot down if he falls into the traps of his peer pressuring 'friends'. He is the man of his household and needs to get a job to support his family. He should be a good role model, finish school and get a good job. It's not easy, but neither is life, you have to just deal with the bad and not let it drag you down.

Bloom's Taxonomy ?- Analysis

4. What troubles might you have as an African American boy in the 1930's?


If I was an African American boy in the 1930's I think I would have troubles getting a job and supporting my family.