Genetic characteristics

A study to isolate and examine the genetic characteristics of bacteria that metaboli2e chlorotoluenes, such as OCT, PCT, and 2,6-dichlorotoluene, has been reported (74). Two products were isolated from a study of the metaboHsm of PCT by Pseudomonasputida ... 

The promise of being able to predict and modify the genetic characteristics of an organism fuelled massive efforts to determine the base sequences of human genes. The human genome project has now reached the goal of sequencing all the important DNA carried by humans. 

Such methods also make it possible to learn about the state of health of the dead before death, the diseases from which they suffered, their age at the time of death, the method used for their mummification, and even the cultural environment in which they lived and were mummified (Cockbum et al. 1998 Harris and Wente 1980). The conception and development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the end of the twentieth century made it also possible to study the genetic characteristics of the mummies and of the populations to which they belonged (see Textbox 65). 

The sort of starch produced by a plant can be altered by plant breeding to produce plants with the right genetic make up to produce the desired starch. Sometimes the desired genetic characteristics can only be found in a wild variety of the crop. 

With the exception of identical twins, every individual has a unique genetic makeup. Because genetic factors are inherited from our parents, family members tend to have genetic similarities. Sometimes, members of the same racial or ethnic group are also more likely to have some similar genetic characteristics. 

Under European conditions water requirements are typically in the range of 200-800 g water per gram dry matter (DM) produced (Table 5.6). Determined by genetic characteristics, water consumption of C4 crops is less than that of C3 crops, although a wide variation exists between the plant species due to certain photosynthetic mechanisms. 

The second major breakthrough in thinking made by Dr. Williams is the recognition that nutritional status can influence the expression of genetic characteristics.3 Once again Dr. Williams foresaw this... 

Cells can be divided into germ cells and somatic cells. Germ cells are reproductive cells, for example, ova or sperm. Germ cells contain genetic characteristics that are passed on to the next generation. Somatic cells do not contribute their genes to future generations they are the tissue cells such as nerve cells and muscle cells. 

Based on the currently available data, grape anthocyanin and flavonol profiles are determined by genetic characteristics whereas their content varies with the vine growing conditions. Available information still appears too limited and contradictory to draw any conclusion on the impact of genetic and environmental factors on grape proanthocyanidin composition. 

Other host factors What other host factors may modify the carcinogenic response to ionizing radiation remains unclear, but it seems plain that hormonal factors, at least, play such a role in breast cancer. Immime competence and genetic characteristics, e.g., those governing DNA repair capabilities, are also possibilities. 

DNA extracted from archaeological specimens, ancient DNA (aDNA), provides the researcher a window into prehistory, allowing one to say something absolute about the genetic characteristics of someone or something that lived in the past. While modem DNA studies can make predictions about the past based... 

Genotype. The genetic characteristics of an organism (distinguished from its observable characteristics, or phenotype). 

Currently, there is no rational way to predict which antidepressant is more likely than another to work in any depressed patient or which antipsychotic would be best for a given schizophrenic patient. Such selections often are made by trial and error. Perhaps certain genetic characteristics will predict the likelihood of a better therapeutic response or better tolerability of one drug over another. To date, no such genetic factors are yet known that can assist the prescriber in selecting psychotropic drugs for individual patients. 

Simonds, WF, James-Newton, LA, Agarwal, SK, Yang, B, Skarulis, MC, Hendy, GN and Marx, SJ, 2002, Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism clinical and genetic characteristics of 36 kindreds, Medicine (Baltimore) 81 1-26... 

Montplaisir J, Boucher S, Poirier G, Lavigne G, Lapierre O, Lesperance P. Clinical polysomnographic and genetic characteristics of restless leg syndrome a study of 133 patients diagnosed with new standard criteria. Movement Disord 1997 12 61-65. 

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