Genetics in Practice case studies are critical-thinking human genetics to real-l

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Genetics in Practice case studies are critical-thinking human genetics to real-life problems. CASE STUDY in U.S. children between 1 and 4 years of age and again at exercises that allow you to apply your new knowledge of age 6. PBDEs were measured in umbilical cord blood at birth and in maternal blood on the day after delivery. The results showed that children with higher PBDE cord blood concentra- tions scored lower on tests of mental and physical development across all ages tested. Children in the highest 20% of PBDE Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants levels had significantly lower scores than the lower 80%. Given widely used in furniture, draperies, and electronics such as widespread use of these compounds in the United States and computers and monitors. Because PBDEs are added to prod- the fact that environmental levels of PBDEs are four times higher in the United States than Europe, the benefits and risks associated with flame retardants should be carefully assessed. How do PBDEs affect the development of the nervous sys- ments tested. Major exposure to humans comes from direct tem? n bacterial cells and in animal models, PBDEs do not exposure (furniture), indoor air, household dust, and even some cause mutations or damage the DNA in any detectable ways foods. Levels in human tissues (including blood) have beenBased on the fact that these compounds are present in the increasing with time, and are higher in people in North America environment, researchers have asked whether PBDEs might work by epigenetic mechanisms, changing the pattern of gene ucts and are not chemically bonded to them, PBDEs are slowly released into the environment. They have become globally distributed contaminants and have been detected in all environ- than in Europe, where PBDEs have been widely banned PBDEs may disrupt thyroid hormone function and affect expression during development and maturation of the nervous the development of the brain and nervous system. In addition, system in ways that result in developmental and behavioral PBDEs are transferred across the placenta to the developing deficits. Exposure of rat nerve cells grown in the laboratory fetus and may damage the developing nervous system. Work in animal model systems has shown the neurotoxic effects ic is a major epigenetic pathway for changing patterns of PBDEs during development of the central nervous system, raising concerns about effects on child development. Two changes in the pattern of programmed cell death, which is an recent studies have provided some direct evidence that pre- important component of development in the nervous system. natal exposure to PBDEs does affect motor skills as well as Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to cognitive development and behavior in schoolchildren, and that ex neurodevelopmental effects are related to the concentration of PBDEs in umbilical cord blood to PBDEs does alter the cellular pattern of DNA methylation, of gene expression. In addition, exposure to PBDEs caused tend them to human nerve cells 1. Could epigenetic changes caused by PBDEs be passed on from parents to their children? In the first study, PBDE levels were measured and thyroid hormone analyses were conducted in European women near the end of their pregnancy. The children were assessed for motor skills, cognitive development, and behavior at ages 5 and 6. Results showed consistent links between thyroid hormone disruption and lowered neuropsychological functions. PBDE exposure does affect motor skills and attention spans. The second study examined the effects of prenatal PBDE exposure 2. Could this happen even if PBDEs were somehow com- pletely removed from the child's environment? 3. Should furnishings, electronic components, or materials containing flame retardants be labeled to show the type and concentration of retardants?

Explanation / Answer

1.

Epigenetic pathway causes the change in the pattern of gene expression which may result in the mutation. So, this is possible that the epigenetic changes caused by OBDEs can passed on from the parents to their children.

2.

If the PDBEs will be removed from the child environment than the rate of epigenetic changes and cell death will occur at lower rate. But as the mutation has already passed so it will cause harm but not at the higher level.

3.

Yes, all the material containing flame retardant should label the type and concentration of retardants. This is because it will help the people to avoid the future complications that may lead to the permanent mutation. Also the knowledge of concentration of retardant will help in preventing and avoiding the neurotoxicity.

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