I have researched CHROMOSOME #2

This chromosome is composed of 255 million base pairs

The most current data suggests that there are about 1350 genes on this chromosome
Some of the genes of interest on this chromosome include: (list at least 5)
• Ovarian Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s Disease Type 3
• Specific Dyslexia
• Isolated Cleft Palete
My gene of interest is Parkinson’s disease Type 3
The Parkinson’s disease Type 3 gene is located at 2p13
Description of my gene of interest:

Parkinson’s disease is an autosomal type of Parkinson’s disease that is caused by a mutation in the
second chromosome in humans that causes dysfunction within the motor skills. Parkinson’s disease mostly
involves in the lack of dopamine processed throughout the major neurons in the lower part of the brain called
substania nigra. The substania nigra is located in mid-lower part of the brain as it correlates to the cerebellum.
Dopamine is crucial to the specific parts of the brain because it acts as a neurotransmitter for neurons in the
substania nigra; and with the lack of dopamine, shrivels and dies out because of the lack resources provided and
the inability to function discontinues.
One of the first few symptoms of Parkinson’s is tremors, or any involuntary movements of the hands,
feet, or other parts in the body, being as a response to the lack of neurons in the substania nigra. Some of the
other first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is rigidity in hand motions, unstable posture during walking, and
slow movement. Again, the first symptoms are only a response to the lack of dopamine in the substania nigra
area of the brain. Later on as the disesase develops, new symptoms arise such as difficulty swallowing, lack of
movement, and cramps. The lack of dopamine spreads further throughout the brain and not only affects motor
skills and Physical interreactions, but also psychological factors as well. One of those factors creates mood
swings and anxiety.

Benefits:

Through the research of the Human Genome Project, targeting specific genes has improved
exponentially. The field of gene therapy has been improved by the HGP, as to later in the future, scientists can
understand which biological substance should be used to fix specific genes such as 2p13, in the case of a person
having this genetic precursor to Parkinson’s. Also, the pharmaceutical industry can now produce drugs that
specifically call for gene manipulation of a faulty gene or in the case of autoimmune disorder occurs. These new
“smart drugs” could understand which specific parts to target within the disorder.
Citations for my research:

PDF, . (2011). Symptoms. Retrieved (2011, 20 4) from Http://www. Pdf. Org/en/symptoms

Erickson, C. Dopamine - a sample neurotransmitter. Retrieved (2011, 20 4) from Http://www. Utexas.

Edu/research/asrec/dopamine. Html

What causes parkinson's disease. (2008, March 25). Retrieved from

http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-causes

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,. (2011, Apr. 20 ). In NINDS Parkinson's Disease
Information Page. (chap. Parkinson's Disease NINDS Parkinson's Disease Information Page) Retrieved Apr. 20,
1996, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm