One of the eminent opportunities afforded by modern genomic technologies is the potential to provide a mechanistic understanding of the processes by which genetic change translates to phenotypic variation and the resultant appearance of distinct physiological traits.
By understanding which genetic changes have been consolidated in the Belgian blue, it may be possible to design and build similar versions of other species using genetic engineering as a short-cut.
A group led by Prof Fouchier wanted to find out which genetic changes were required to enable the H5N1 virus to mutate into a form that could be transmitted from person to person through the air.
The discoveries also can reveal which genetic changes are important in cancer, and why.
Moreover, we can use the data to trace exactly which genetic changes have led to changes in an organism's appearance, or in what it does.
Among the questions that Bateson sought to address by studying homeotics was the way in which genetic change could lead to the emergence of new body plans.
Mechanisms by which genetic variants and environmental factors influence the development of AD pathological changes, especially neurofibrillary degeneration, are not yet known.
While the mouse data shows an interaction between genetic background and Mecp2 expression on behavior, the human data provides means by which genetic variation may affect MECP2 expression and result in behavioral change.
While the genetic elements that directly confer resistance have been well reviewed, the biochemical mechanisms by which these genetic changes arise within bacteria have been less scrutinized.
This could be explained by simultaneous infection with more than one strain or by re-infection with a new strain during treatment which developed genetic changes over time.
