Pakistani Study's 'Knockout' Genes Yield Insights into Human Health

‘Knockout’ genes, where a person has a loss-of-function variant that has disrupted both copies, identified on a mass scale in a recent Pakistani study, offer researchers the opportunity to study whether the absence causes disease, is beneficial, or produces no effect

Source

The Hindu — Science & Tech →

Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

01A recent Pakistani study identified thousands of 'knockout' genes in humans, where a loss-of-function variant has disrupted both copies.
02These 'knockout' genes offer researchers the opportunity to study whether their absence causes disease, is beneficial, or produces no effect.
03The study analyzed 173,303 genomes from Pakistan and found 34,000 people who are 'human knockouts', with complete loss of function of at least one gene.
04A 'knockout' gene is a genetic mutation where a person has a loss-of-function variant that has disrupted both copies of the gene.
05The study's findings have implications for understanding human genetics and drug development, as well as identifying potential targets for new treatments.
06The Pakistani study provides a unique opportunity to study human knockouts on a mass scale, which could lead to breakthroughs in medicine.

Trap alerts

Most people think that 'knockout' genes are always detrimental to health, but actually their absence can also be beneficial or produce no effect.
Most people think that genetic mutations only occur due to environmental factors, but actually many are caused by spontaneous errors in DNA replication.

Mains Practice Question

Critically examine the implications of identifying 'knockout' genes on a mass scale, and discuss their potential impact on human health.

250 words

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Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

In which country was a recent study done that identified 'knockout' genes on a mass scale?

A.India
B.Pakistan
C.China
D.United States

Knockout genes are a type of genetic mutation where a person has a loss-of-function variant in both copies. A recent study from Pakistan identified knockout genes on a mass scale.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding Knockout Genes: 1. Researchers have found that knockout genes are associated with a significant increase in disease prevalence. 2. A study has identified that individuals with knockout genes on a mass scale have a higher likelihood of developing certain diseases. 3. The absence of knockout genes is beneficial and does not cause any adverse effects. How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None

Statement 1 is incorrect because the fact list does not provide any information about the association between knockout genes and disease prevalence. Statement 2 is correct as it directly references the Pakistani study that identified 'knockout' genes on a mass scale. Statement 3 is incorrect as the fact list states that researchers can study whether the absence of knockout genes causes disease, but it does not confirm any benefits.

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