After knowing what genes are and how they regulate development, and with the advent of molecular biology techniques such as the recombinant DNA technology and polymerase chain reaction, scientists have developed more powerful tools to further elucidate genes and their functions. Such tools are results of biologists and other scientists synergising their expertise and ingenuity. The inventions include genechips and microarrays which are complemented by bioinformatics and also image analysis technology. Their applications in diagnostics will be explained. Some of the common methods for transgenesis will be explored.
Students learn the concept of gene therapy and gene targeting.
More will be discovered. Already we are beginning to be able to moderate some of these diseases. Fairly soon we should be able to introduce undamaged genes into the germ cells of afflicted patients, and so correct such disorders for generations to come. In time we shall learn the genetic bases, such as they may be, of social inadequacy, criminality, and other behavioural aberrations - even perhaps, of aspects of intelligence and creativity. The nucleus contains the genetic information of an individual.