CHAYCE W.
October 31, 2013
Teacher: Lisa Frost
Human – Latin name - Homo sapien sapien. There is only one species of humans on the planet, yet the variations within the species are numerous, for example: different personalities; illnesses; height and build; hair, skin and eye color. The first thing we look at when meeting another person is the eyes, ‘the windows to the soul’ as the expression goes, but they are windows into so much more. What makes our eyes so unique to each individual that they can be used like a finger print? Genes. It all comes down to genes. So what’s in your genes?
My eyes are a bluish green, while my mum’s are more a blue-green-grey color. When we talk about genes we are talking about your DNA, sometimes called the building blocks of life. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries information (genetic instructions) to your cells telling them what to do and build and what specific traits you will have. DNA is used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses.
Think of it this way – DNA is the planner and designer, the boss. The planner tells the director (RNA) what to do. RNA (ribonucleic acid) is the director, the messenger, and has a very important role in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expressions of genes. Together DNA and RNA consist of nucleic acids that tell the workers what to do. The workers are the proteins that carry out the orders coming down from management. So it goes DNA?RNA?Protein.
Eye color is determined by the amount of light that reflects off the iris, a muscular structure that controls how much light enters the eye. Scientists have discovered that at least eight genes influence the final color of eyes that are inherited. These genes control the amount of a type of pigment called melanin inside specialized cells of the iris. The range in eye color, from blue to hazel to brown depends on the level of melanin pigment stored in the melanosome “packets” in the melanocytes cells of the iris that are unique to each person. Blue eyes contain small amounts of pigment, green–hazel eyes - medium amounts, with brown eyes containing the most. Brown eyes have the dominant genes while blue eyes are recessive (hidden).
Through science and the unraveling of the DNA and gene code we are able to see how individual traits are inherited. So far over 150 different genes influence hair, skin and eye color. Because no two people have the same eyes or fingerprints, governments and organizations use biometric data to prevent identity theft and help officials keep track of who is who and clock in and out of your job. Scientists today can even tell what eye and hair color a centuries old ancestor had through DNA testing. This discovery also helps crime scene investigations, by reconstructing the remains to help identify the victim. So, in answering the question, “What’s in your genes?” I would have to say, “A Lot.”
References and Research
"Eyes and Fingerprints: How Governments Are Using Biometric Data to Keep Track of You." Eyes and Fingerprints: How Governments Are Using Biometric Data to Keep Track of You. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.https://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/biology/news-eyes-and-fingerprints-how-computers-keep-track-you#1gatPfgSKWfw6zDS.99
Lamb, Neil, Dr. "The Genetics of Eye Color." HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. N.p., 29 Sept. 2009. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. https://www.hudsonalpha.org/education/outreach/basics/eye-color
"Dead for Hundreds of Years, but Now We Can Learn Hair, Eye Color." Editorial. Nbcnews.com. Nbc.com, 14 Jan. 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/50460228/#.UnLaMCc7ftg
https://www.dnai.org/
https://www.wisegeek.org/can-your-dna-change-during-your-life.htm
https://www.livescience.com/9578-common-ancestor-blue-eyes