We are all comfortable with the fundamental concepts of molecular biology—that a sequence
of nucleotide pairs in DNA encodes complementary RNA, which directs the synthesis
of proteins in our ribosomes. Then the trouble starts. Without appearing arrogant,
humans like to think of ourselves as special. So, how can most of our distinguishing
genes encoding human proteins also be so expressed egalitarianly in cows, sloths,
and rats? And, how is it that a perfect human being can be constructed from a DNA
recipe that contains only 20,000 genetic instructions when both roses and cows
2
sport more. Or, perhaps even less conceptually acceptable, how can it be that the
admirably erudite coeditors of this journal enjoy a DNA code that is at least 99.6%
identical to that of the Marx Brothers?To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
Purchase one-time access:
Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online accessOne-time access price info
- For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
- For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'
Subscribe:
Subscribe to SurgeryAlready a print subscriber? Claim online access
Already an online subscriber? Sign in
Register: Create an account
Institutional Access: Sign in to ScienceDirect
References
Feero WG, Guttmacher AE, Collins FS. Genomic medicine–an updated primer. N Engl J Med; 362:2001-11.
- The genome sequence of taurine cattle: a window to ruminant biology and evolution.Science. 2009; 324: 522-528
- BRCA1 mutations and polymorphisms in a hospital-based consecutive series of breast cancer patients from Apulia, Italy.Mutat Res. 2005; 578: 395-405
- Effect of prevention strategies on survival and quality-adjusted survival of women with BRCA1/2 mutations: an updated decision analysis.J Clin Oncol. 2002; 20: 2520-2529
- Family history as a predictor of uptake of cancer preventive procedures by women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.Clin Genet. 2008; 73: 474-479
- Efficacy of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in women with a family history of breast cancer.N Engl J Med. 1999; 340: 77-84
- Efficacy of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers.J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001; 93: 1633-1637
- Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy reduces breast cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: the PROSE Study Group.J Clin Oncol. 2004; 22: 1055-1062
- Risk-reduction mastectomy: clinical issues and research needs.J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001; 93: 1297-1306
- Is family history related to preventive health behaviors and medical management in breast cancer patients?.Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2005; 90: 47-54
- Preventive health behaviors and familial breast cancer.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005; 14: 2340-2345
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 11,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.
