Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

Stephen D. (United Arab Emirates)
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words only definitions & notes
  1. pea plant
    a leguminous plant of the genus Pisum with small white flowers and long green pods containing edible green seeds
    He studied the characteristics of pea plants.
  2. genome
    the full DNA sequence of an organism
    Recently, for example, two separate research teams reported sequencing the genomes of several patients.
  3. gene mutation
    a mutation due to an intramolecular reorganization of a gene
    That made it possible to identify the exact gene mutations that caused the diseases in the children.
  4. gene
    part of DNA controlling physical characteristics and growth
    Today we talk about genes.
  5. genetic
    relating to the study of heredity and variation in organisms
    Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

    Genetic discoveries hold promise in medicine and agriculture, but also raise legal, moral and safety questions.
  6. Human Genome Project
    an international study of the entire human genetic material
    FAITH LAPIDUS: The researchers were able to do their work because of the Human Genome Project.
  7. Gregor Mendel
    Augustinian monk and botanist whose experiments in breeding garden peas led to his eventual recognition as founder of the science of genetics (1822-1884)
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics.
  8. genetics
    the study of heredity and variation in organisms
    (MUSIC)

    FAITH LAPIDUS: Genetics, the study of genes, is gaining increasing importance.
  9. Tay-Sachs
    a hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism occurring most frequently in individuals of Jewish descent in eastern Europe; accumulation of lipids in nervous tissue results in death in early childhood
    For example, husbands and wives in some ethnic groups are tested for the possibility of having a child with Tay-Sachs.
  10. deoxyribonucleic acid
    (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: A chromosome is a piece of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, in the nucleus of a cell.
  11. DNA
    material that carries genetic information in a cell
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: A chromosome is a piece of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, in the nucleus of a cell.
  12. Mendel
    Augustinian monk and botanist whose experiments in breeding garden peas led to his eventual recognition as founder of the science of genetics (1822-1884)
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics.
  13. not-for-profit
    an organization chartered for other than profit-making activities
    Craig Venter led another effort to complete the human genome at a private, not-for-profit laboratory.
  14. mutation
    a change or alteration in form or qualities
    Those individuals suffer from diseases caused by mutations or changes in genetic material.
  15. James Watson
    United States geneticist who (with Crick in 1953) helped discover the helical structure of DNA (born in 1928)
    James Watson was the first leader of the project.
  16. fetus
    an unborn vertebrate in the later stages of development
    For example, genes direct formation of the fetus’s brain at set times in a woman’s pregnancy.
  17. Charcot
    French neurologist who tried to use hypnotism to cure hysteria (1825-1893)
    They identified the genetic cause of a disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
  18. intellectual property
    intangible property that is the result of creativity
    This means a research center or health care company can control intellectual property rights to genes.
  19. patent right
    the right granted by a patent
    The United States has approved patent rights for some genetic sequences.
  20. researcher
    a scientist devoted to systematic investigation
    By studying the order of the genes, the researchers found the causes of the disease.
  21. eggplant
    an egg-shaped vegetable that usually has a dark-purple color
    Recently, Indian officials announced that no more G.M. eggplants would be grown for profit in the nation.
  22. azalea
    any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown for their showy flowers of various colors
    The DNA of the flowering azalea plant, for example, contains all the information that makes it an azalea.
  23. clone
    a genetically identical organism derived from a single cell
    But then, new knowledge made cloning possible.
  24. chromosome
    a threadlike strand of DNA that carries genes
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: A chromosome is a piece of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, in the nucleus of a cell.
  25. government agency
    an administrative unit of government
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  26. sequence
    a following of one thing after another in time
    Recently, for example, two separate research teams reported sequencing the genomes of several patients.
  27. United States government
    the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the United States
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  28. disease
    an impairment of health
    Genes can influence many things, from whom we look like to what we eat to possible treatments for diseases.
  29. nucleus
    a part of the cell responsible for growth and reproduction
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: A chromosome is a piece of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, in the nucleus of a cell.
  30. property right
    the legal right of ownership
    This means a research center or health care company can control intellectual property rights to genes.
  31. genetically
    by genetic mechanisms
    Organisms that are genetically modified, G.M.O.s, have had their genes changed to improve their characteristics.
  32. heredity
    the transmission of genetic factors to the next generation
    Human DNA carries the information that decides our heredity, the characteristics passed on to us by our ancestors.
  33. patent
    a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention
    The United States has approved patent rights for some genetic sequences.
  34. cell
    the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms
    They are parts of cells that control the growth of living things.
  35. scientist
    a person with advanced knowledge of empirical fields
    Scientists have long known that DNA includes different amounts of four chemical bases.
  36. Watson
    United States telephone engineer who assisted Alexander Graham Bell in his experiments (1854-1934)
    James Watson was the first leader of the project.
  37. virus
    infectious agent that replicates itself within living hosts
    Genes exist in plants, animals, human beings and even some viruses.
  38. patient
    enduring trying circumstances with even temper
    Recently, for example, two separate research teams reported sequencing the genomes of several patients.
  39. organism
    a living thing that can act or function independently
    Genes tell every cell in an organism what qualities or characteristics it can develop.
  40. identify
    recognize as being
    The teams identified the genetic structure of the patients.
  41. complete
    having all necessary qualities
    This is the first time genomes of people suffering from disease have been completed.
  42. health care
    the preservation of mental and physical health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession
    This means a research center or health care company can control intellectual property rights to genes.
  43. biology
    the science that studies living organisms
    The second study involved researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Washington.
  44. identified
    having the identity known or established
    The teams identified the genetic structure of the patients.
  45. human beings
    all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
    Genes exist in plants, animals, human beings and even some viruses.
  46. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    Experts say the results of the studies may help medical researchers develop treatments especially designed for individual patients.


    bcm.edu
  47. human
    a person; a hominid with a large brain and articulate speech
    FAITH LAPIDUS: The researchers were able to do their work because of the Human Genome Project.
  48. announce
    make known
    Three years later, the completed version was announced.
  49. approve
    judge to be right or commendable; think well of
    The United States approved a law in two thousand eight to prevent unfair treatment.
  50. structure
    a complex entity made of many parts
    The teams identified the genetic structure of the patients.
  51. involve
    contain as a part
    Doctors Richard Gibbs, left, and James Lupski

    BOB DOUGHTY: One of the studies involved Richard Gibbs and James Lupski of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
  52. project
    a planned undertaking
    FAITH LAPIDUS: The researchers were able to do their work because of the Human Genome Project.
  53. protein
    an organic compound essential to living cells
    Each chromosome contains many genes that direct the production of proteins needed by cells.
  54. state government
    the government of a state in the United States
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  55. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    Many developments in genetics have taken place since Mendel did his work.
  56. Nobel
    Swedish chemist remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the bequest that created the Nobel prizes (1833-1896)
    He had shared a Nobel Prize for his part in the discovery of the structure of DNA.

    BOB DOUGHTY: In nineteen ninety-three, Francis Collins was named to lead the genome effort.
  57. membrane
    a sheet of tissue that lines or connects organs or cells
    FAITH LAPIDUS: A nucleus in every cell surrounds genetic information with a membrane that protects it.
  58. flowering
    the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms
    The DNA of the flowering azalea plant, for example, contains all the information that makes it an azalea.
  59. music
    an artistic form of auditory communication
    (MUSIC)

    FAITH LAPIDUS: Genetics, the study of genes, is gaining increasing importance.
  60. ethnic
    distinctive of the ways of living of a group of people
    For example, husbands and wives in some ethnic groups are tested for the possibility of having a child with Tay-Sachs.
  61. examine
    observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect
    Leroy Hood and David Galas examined all the genes of four people in a family.
  62. ethical
    conforming to accepted standards of social behavior
    BOB DOUGHTY: Yet genetic testing also can raise moral, ethical and religious questions.
  63. raise
    move upwards
    Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

    Genetic discoveries hold promise in medicine and agriculture, but also raise legal, moral and safety questions.
  64. Seattle
    a major port of entry and the largest city in Washington
    The second study involved researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Washington.
  65. percent
    a proportion in relation to a whole
    Less than one percent of genes differ from person to person.
  66. environmental
    of or relating to the external conditions or surroundings
    And during that time, supporters say, there has been no sign of major health or environmental problems.
  67. compete
    engage in a contest or measure oneself against others
    But he and Francis Collins say they were not competing.
  68. linked
    connected, as railway cars or trailer trucks
    That gene had earlier been linked to the disorder.
  69. strand
    a group of fibers twisted together to form a thread or rope
    The nucleus contains rope-like strands of DNA that carry the information.
  70. reject
    refuse to accept or acknowledge
    The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act bars insurance companies from rejecting people based on genetic test results.
  71. science
    a branch of study or knowledge involving the observation, investigation, and discovery of general laws or truths that can be tested systematically
    FAITH LAPIDUS: This is SCIENCE IN THE NEWS, in VOA Special English.
  72. involved
    connected by participation or association or use
    Doctors Richard Gibbs, left, and James Lupski

    BOB DOUGHTY: One of the studies involved Richard Gibbs and James Lupski of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
  73. modified
    changed in form or character
    Organisms that are genetically modified, G.M.O.s, have had their genes changed to improve their characteristics.
  74. medicine
    the profession devoted to alleviating diseases and injuries
    Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

    Genetic discoveries hold promise in medicine and agriculture, but also raise legal, moral and safety questions.
  75. research
    a seeking for knowledge
    Recently, for example, two separate research teams reported sequencing the genomes of several patients.
  76. expert
    a person with special knowledge who performs skillfully
    Experts say the results of the studies may help medical researchers develop treatments especially designed for individual patients.


    bcm.edu
  77. Houston
    United States politician and military leader who fought to gain independence for Texas from Mexico and to make it a part of the United States (1793-1863)
    Doctors Richard Gibbs, left, and James Lupski

    BOB DOUGHTY: One of the studies involved Richard Gibbs and James Lupski of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
  78. Blake
    visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
    Our producer was Brianna Blake.
  79. moral
    concerned with principles of right and wrong
    Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

    Genetic discoveries hold promise in medicine and agriculture, but also raise legal, moral and safety questions.
  80. individual
    being or characteristic of a single thing or person
    Those individuals suffer from diseases caused by mutations or changes in genetic material.
  81. Sherman
    American Revolutionary leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution (1721-1793)
    FAITH LAPIDUS: Doug Gurion-Sherman is with the Union of Concerned Scientists.
  82. legal
    established by or founded upon law or official rules
    Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

    Genetic discoveries hold promise in medicine and agriculture, but also raise legal, moral and safety questions.
  83. United States
    North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  84. identical
    being the exact same one
    Identical twins, however, are developed from the same egg.
  85. separate
    standing apart; not attached to or supported by anything
    Recently, for example, two separate research teams reported sequencing the genomes of several patients.
  86. agriculture
    the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
    Making Order From Life's Building Blocks

    Genetic discoveries hold promise in medicine and agriculture, but also raise legal, moral and safety questions.
  87. partial
    being or affecting only a segment
    The Human Genome Project published partial results in two thousand.
  88. modify
    cause to change; make different
    Organisms that are genetically modified, G.M.O.s, have had their genes changed to improve their characteristics.
  89. laboratory
    a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
    Craig Venter led another effort to complete the human genome at a private, not-for-profit laboratory.
  90. contain
    hold or have within
    Each chromosome contains many genes that direct the production of proteins needed by cells.
  91. unique
    the single one of its kind
    NINA FEDOROFF: “The only way that I can stay patient is to recognize that this is not unique to G.M. foods, and it is not new.”
  92. sickness
    impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
    FAITH LAPIDUS: Testing can show possibilities of sicknesses a person can face in later life.
  93. insect
    a small creature with six legs, a hard body, and two antennae
    Supporters of one kind of G.M. cotton, for example, note evidence that it can help a plant resist insects and viruses.
  94. team
    a cooperative unit
    Recently, for example, two separate research teams reported sequencing the genomes of several patients.
  95. century
    a period of 100 years
    Mendel lived in the nineteenth century.
  96. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    (MUSIC)

    FAITH LAPIDUS: Genetics, the study of genes, is gaining increasing importance.
  97. disorder
    a condition in which things are not in their expected places
    That gene had earlier been linked to the disorder.
  98. acid
    a sour water-soluble compound with a pH of less than 7
    (MUSIC)

    BOB DOUGHTY: A chromosome is a piece of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, in the nucleus of a cell.
  99. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    Supporters of one kind of G.M. cotton, for example, note evidence that it can help a plant resist insects and viruses.
  100. chemical
    produced by reactions involving atomic or molecular changes
    Scientists have long known that DNA includes different amounts of four chemical bases.
  101. institute
    set up or lay the groundwork for
    The second study involved researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Washington.
  102. ancestor
    someone from whom you are descended
    Human DNA carries the information that decides our heredity, the characteristics passed on to us by our ancestors.
  103. healthy
    free from infirmity or disease
    In the past, only healthy people have had their genomes fully sequenced.
  104. release
    grant freedom to; free from confinement
    Tests of DNA have helped release prisoners falsely accused of crimes.
  105. goal
    the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve
    Their goal was to understand the structure or organization of human genes.
  106. muscle
    animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
    The disease causes nerve problems in the hands and feet and muscle weakness.
  107. estimate
    judge tentatively
    Supporters of G.M. foods say they can help feed an estimated three billion more people by the middle of the century.
  108. recognize
    perceive to be something or something you can identify
    NINA FEDOROFF: “The only way that I can stay patient is to recognize that this is not unique to G.M. foods, and it is not new.”
  109. share
    assets belonging to an individual person or group
    He had shared a Nobel Prize for his part in the discovery of the structure of DNA.

    BOB DOUGHTY: In nineteen ninety-three, Francis Collins was named to lead the genome effort.
  110. studied
    produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation
    He studied the characteristics of pea plants.
  111. link
    connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces
    That gene had earlier been linked to the disorder.
  112. version
    something a little different from others of the same type
    Three years later, the completed version was announced.
  113. settle
    become resolved, fixed, established, or quiet
    The tests sometimes reunite separated families and settle questions about who is the father of a child.
  114. Texas
    the second largest state
    Doctors Richard Gibbs, left, and James Lupski

    BOB DOUGHTY: One of the studies involved Richard Gibbs and James Lupski of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
  115. affected
    influenced
    What if the fetus is found severely affected by a faulty gene?
  116. launch
    propel with force
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  117. resist
    withstand the force of something
    Supporters of one kind of G.M. cotton, for example, note evidence that it can help a plant resist insects and viruses.
  118. experiment
    the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
    His experiments led him to develop laws of heredity.
  119. Doctor
    (Roman Catholic Church) a title conferred on 33 saints who distinguished themselves through the orthodoxy of their theological teaching
    In this study, the patient was Doctor Lupski himself.
  120. rope
    a strong line
    The nucleus contains rope-like strands of DNA that carry the information.
  121. fee
    a fixed charge for a privilege or for professional services
    Supporters of G.M. foods say they can help feed an estimated three billion more people by the middle of the century.
  122. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    Scientists have long known that DNA includes different amounts of four chemical bases.
  123. medical
    relating to the study or practice of medicine
    Experts say the results of the studies may help medical researchers develop treatments especially designed for individual patients.


    bcm.edu
  124. organization
    a methodical and orderly manner or approach
    Their goal was to understand the structure or organization of human genes.
  125. intelligence
    the ability to comprehend
    Suppose genetic tests show that you may someday suffer from a disease that robs you of your intelligence.
  126. state
    the way something is with respect to its main attributes
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  127. risk
    a source of danger
    If the tests show a high possibility, a married couple must decide if they want to risk a pregnancy.
  128. couple
    two items of the same kind
    If the tests show a high possibility, a married couple must decide if they want to risk a pregnancy.
  129. published
    prepared and printed for distribution and sale
    The Human Genome Project published partial results in two thousand.
  130. production
    the act or process of making something
    Each chromosome contains many genes that direct the production of proteins needed by cells.
  131. center
    an area that is in the middle of some larger region
    This means a research center or health care company can control intellectual property rights to genes.
  132. Union
    the United States
    FAITH LAPIDUS: Doug Gurion-Sherman is with the Union of Concerned Scientists.
  133. major
    greater in scope or effect
    And during that time, supporters say, there has been no sign of major health or environmental problems.
  134. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    FAITH LAPIDUS: A nucleus in every cell surrounds genetic information with a membrane that protects it.
  135. affect
    have an influence upon
    What if the fetus is found severely affected by a faulty gene?
  136. David
    the 2nd king of the Israelites
    Leroy Hood and David Galas examined all the genes of four people in a family.
  137. judgment
    the act of assessing a person or situation or event
    Nina Fedoroff says unfair judgment is not unusual.
  138. Catholic
    of or relating to or supporting Catholicism
    Mendel was a Roman Catholic monk and teacher who lived in the nineteenth century.
  139. found
    set up
    By studying the order of the genes, the researchers found the causes of the disease.
  140. brain
    the organ that is the center of the nervous system
    For example, genes direct formation of the fetus’s brain at set times in a woman’s pregnancy.
  141. surround
    extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
    FAITH LAPIDUS: A nucleus in every cell surrounds genetic information with a membrane that protects it.
  142. crime
    an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
    Tests of DNA have helped release prisoners falsely accused of crimes.
  143. progress
    the act of moving forward, as toward a goal
    Critics say such patents block progress against disease and development of new treatments.
  144. publish
    prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
    The Human Genome Project published partial results in two thousand.
  145. method
    a way of doing something, especially a systematic way
    Since that time, sequencing methods have greatly improved.
  146. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
    Courts are now considering cases against patenting genes.
  147. prisoner
    a person who is confined
    Tests of DNA have helped release prisoners falsely accused of crimes.
  148. government
    the system or form by which a community is ruled
    United States government agencies and international partners launched their efforts to sequence the human genome in nineteen ninety.
  149. college
    an institution of higher education
    Doctors Richard Gibbs, left, and James Lupski

    BOB DOUGHTY: One of the studies involved Richard Gibbs and James Lupski of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
  150. property
    something owned
    This means a research center or health care company can control intellectual property rights to genes.
  151. design
    the act of working out the form of something
    Experts say the results of the studies may help medical researchers develop treatments especially designed for individual patients.


    bcm.edu
  152. exist
    have a presence
    Genes exist in plants, animals, human beings and even some viruses.
  153. Roman
    relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
    Mendel was a monk and teacher who lived in the nineteenth century.
  154. influence
    a power to affect persons or events
    Genes can influence many things, from whom we look like to what we eat to possible treatments for diseases.
  155. America
    North America and South America and Central America
    Join us again next week for more news about Science in Special English on the Voice of America.
  156. Washington
    1st President of the United States
    The second study involved researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Washington.
Created on 四月 11, 2010 (updated 四月 11, 2010)

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