Article Review: DNA Sequencing and Evolutionary Biology

This report presents an article review focusing on key concepts in biology, including DNA sequencing, evolutionary biology, and the Human Genome Project. The review begins with an exploration of the DNA sequencing technique, clarifying its role in identifying genetic sequences and its application in forensic science. It then delves into evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), explaining the concept of body-shaping genes and the role of DNA switches in gene expression. Finally, the review addresses the Human Genome Project, discussing its significance in mapping the human genome, identifying functional elements, and advancing our understanding of genetic disorders. The review also includes insights gained by the student before and after reading the article, along with answers to discussion questions on natural selection, the evolutionary basis of human religions, and the meaning of 'survival of the fittest'.

Running head: ARTICLE REVIEW
ARTICLE REVIEW
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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1. These are the following questions:
1. Difficult Concepts
a. Conceptual background of the DNA sequencing technique
b. Evolutionary Developmental Biology concept of the EVO-DEVO concept
c. The significance of the Human Genome Project
2. Learning Insights;
a) Before reading the article, I thought that the DNA sequencing technique was one of
the forensic techniques that helped forensic experts to analyse a DNA sequence. I was
unclear about the conceptual basis of the DNA sequencing technique and how it is serves
a unique purpose of determining the biological identity of culprits.
However, after reading the article, I now think/learned that the DNA sequencing
technique broadly relies upon the tracing of the A-T-C-G nucleotides within a sample
DNA. By virtue of comparison of the set of nucleotides, accused convicts can be identified
or disputed parenthood can be resolved.
b) Before reading the article, I thought that every group of individual possessed a unique
set of chromosomes that was responsible for determining the basis of heredity. A clear
concept related to the similarity of genes present within two dissimilar organisms was
absent.
However, after reading the article, I now think/learned that it is likely that a pair of
similar genes might be found within dissimilar organisms. These dissimilar genes are
referred to as the body-shaping genes and are controlled by the enhancers which are
nothing but DNA switches (Berra, 2008). These enhancers of the DNA switches are
responsible for switching off the expression of the similar genes. This subsequently results

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in loss of expression of the similar genes. This concept is broadly referred to as the concept
of evolutionary developmental biology.
c) Before reading the article, I was extremely unclear about the concept of the Human
Genome Project. Though, I had read a little about how the project involved the sequencing
of the complete human genome, I was extremely unclear about the rationale of conducting
such an economically intensive project. Also, I was extremely unclear about the purpose or
the significance of the project.
However, after reading the article, I now think/learned that The Human Genome
Project was one of the landmark molecular biology projects that was conducted and
involved the identification of the complete human genome. I further learnt that the project
included the identification of the complete set of the functional element that is encoded by
the human genome. The project helped to develop an improved knowledge about the well-
known coding elements located within the human genome. Also, it helped to develop an
idea about the hidden genetic switches and how the switches regulate the expression of
other associated genes. The acquired knowledge about the DNA helps to explore methods
to treat, cure as well as prevent a number of fatal disorders that impact mankind (Berra,
2008).
3. Discuss Questions;
a) What is the scientific basis of natural selection?
b) What does the evidence base suggest about the evolutionary basis of human religions?
c) Does ‘survival of the fittest’ refer to the ‘survival of the strongest in terms of muscle
mass and physical fitness’?

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References:
Berra, T. M. (2008). Charles Darwin's paradigm shift. Beagle: Records of the Museums and
Art Galleries of the Northern Territory, The, 24, 1.