DNA code for human brain neurons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the genetic code of human brain neurons, specifically the composition and function of DNA in relation to neuronal activity and brain development. Participants explore the complexities of decoding the human genome and its implications for understanding brain function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the entire DNA code related to human brain neurons, acknowledging their background in mechanical engineering.
  • Another participant questions the intent behind wanting to know the combination of DNA codes in neurons, prompting further exploration of the topic.
  • Several participants note that the entire human genome is available, suggesting that the challenge lies in decoding the specific genes that contribute to brain structure and function.
  • One participant mentions the interplay between genetic and epigenetic processes in the functional organization of the brain, indicating the complexity of the relationship between DNA and neuronal function.
  • A participant shares links to research papers related to brain genes and cognitive evolution, indicating ongoing research in the area.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while all genetic code is present in cells, the activation of specific genes is crucial for brain function, highlighting the importance of context in understanding genetic influence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interest in the relationship between DNA and brain function, with some agreeing on the complexity of the topic while others raise questions about the implications of the genetic code. No consensus is reached on the specific details of the DNA code or its direct impact on neuronal activity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects limitations in understanding the specific mechanisms by which DNA influences neuronal function, as well as the challenges in decoding the human genome. There is also a recognition of the need for further exploration of genetic and epigenetic factors.

Rahul Mohan P
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Hello;
First of all I apologize in advance if I make any wrong quotes as I am a Mech engineering and has nothing to do with biology and DNA. I wish to know the entire code or the program of the DNA structure in human brain. As I understood DNA is made up of Adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine, four nucleotides, I want to know the combination of these codes in human neurons.
 
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Rahul Mohan P said:
First of all I apologize in advance if I make any wrong quotes as I am a Mech engineering and has nothing to do with biology and DNA. I wish to know the entire code or the program of the DNA structure in human brain. As I understood DNA is made up of Adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine, four nucleotides, I want to know the combination of these codes in human neurons.

That's very interesting. What do you plan to do with or understand with "the combination of these codes in human neurons."
 
The entire human genome is available here. Somewhere in there is the code that builds a human brain. Now the trick is to decode it...
 
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phyzguy said:
The entire human genome is available here. Somewhere in there is the code that builds a human brain. Now the trick is to decode it...
Or you could take a sample of your own brain and build a spare, in case anything happens to the original ...
 
phyzguy said:
The entire human genome is available here. Somewhere in there is the code that builds a human brain. Now the trick is to decode it...
Thank You Phyzguy
 
DiracPool said:
That's very interesting. What do you plan to do with or understand with "the combination of these codes in human neurons."
I want to know DNA has anything to do with the working of neurons which help us to feel the world
 
Rahul Mohan P said:
I want to know DNA has anything to do with the working of neurons which help us to feel the world

Of course it does. However, the functional organization of any adult brain is a complex interplay between genetic and epigentic processes. I'm actually writing a paper right now that attempts to relate the adaptive evolution of certain microcephaly related brain genes to human brain/cognitive evolution. Here are a few papers I've come across so far in my preparatory research that may be of interest to you:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-missing-genetic-link-in-human-evolution/
http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/31/3/594.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4315316/pdf/1755-8794-8-S1-S4.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196496/pdf/pbio.1001179.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3c4TxciNeJZcHg4ek9nWDZGcWs/view?pref=2&pli=1
 
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Remember that cells contain all of our genetic code the important thing is which ones are switched on and off and when. There are quite a lot of different cell types that make up the brain, but neither the individual cells or the whole organ can operate independently of the body. So in itself the question doesn't really take you very far.
 
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