Lecture, chapter 19 - Population genetics and human evolution

Friday, February 19, 2010

Today we had a very shallow introduction to population genetics and human evolution.

We discussed the concepts of gene pool, allele frequency and genotype frequency. We talked about the Hardey-Weinberg model and how it can be used to find allele frequencies in a population, or predict genotype frequencies in a given generation based on allele frequencies.

We discussed Hardey-Weinberg equilibrium and how it can be used to test if evolutionary forces are acting upon a population.

We then discussed a little bit of human evolution and how maternal and paternal haplotype data have been used to elucidate the migration routes of humans since our origin in Africa.

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Lecture, chapter 12 - Genes and cancer

Monday, February 16, 2010

Today we finished chapter 12, on the connection between genes and cancer.

The lecture focused on the main environmental factors that can cause cancer, and on what organs or tissues.

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Lecture, chapter 12 - Genes and cancer

Today we started covering chapter 12, on the connection between genes and cancer.

We discussed the relation between mutations and tumors, both, benign and malignant (cancerous). The main kinds of genes that have a direct connection with tumors are tumor suppressing genes, and proto-oncogenes.

We mentioned study cases relating breast and colon cancer, cases in which different genes have been associated with particular modes of progression of the disease (or diseases).

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