Prof. Dr. Sohan Raj Tater
Cells that make up the human body generally have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Sometimes called the "genome" the full compliment of human chromosomes contains approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA or 40,000 genes.
A gene is a functional and physical unit of heredity passed from a parent to its child. Genes are pieces of DNA and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. This explains why traits that relate to physical appearance - Such as eye colour, cheeck bone structure and hair texture - can be passed from mother to her children. But genes are not limited to effecting physical appearances. Genes play an important role in the health of all parts of the human body. Diseases such as cancer, glaucoma, autism, Add, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, cytic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy may be caused when gene "malfunction". [49]
The principal role of genes in the chromosomes of human has now been identified. Faulty genes in chromosomes lead to different diseases as mentioned below[ 50]:
Chromosome 1:
Contains record of past lives. Faulty gene for GBA enzyme, which breaks down certain fats, leads to Gaucher's disease.
Chromosome 2:
It contains the history of journey leading to human life. It has details of birth in various species we lived before faulty. PAX-2 gene is associated with deafness and color difference in eyes. This causes wardenburg syndrome.
Chromosome 3:
Contains evidences for the entire past history in the form of genes. Faulty VHL gene causes abnormal blood vessel formation. This gives non Hipple-Landau disease.
Chromosome 4:
This contains information about our future. It also carries hints about forthcoming disease and traits. Faulty gene causes dementia. This leads to HD Huntington's disease.
Chromosome 5:
This is very sensitive to environment and contains information about our immune system. It helps in study of genetic disease like asthma, dibetes etc. Faulty gene cause malformed hands and feet. This leads to DTD diatrophic dysphasia.
Chromosome 6:
This is the intelligent chromosome, it is the basis of our intelligence. It has been shown that in some cases intelligency is hereditary. Faulty SCA1 gene causes clumsiness through withering of the cerebellum. This leads to spino cerebella atrophy.
Chromosome 7:
It contains those characteristics which determine our behaviour as human being. This is regarded as the most important chromosome. Faulty gene cause fatal building-up of mucus in lungs and pancreas. This leads to cystic fibrosis.
Chromosome 8:
This contains information about our liking and choices. Our habits and nature are stored and transmitted to next life. This means that our merits and demerits are also influenced by heredity factors i.e. genes. Defective gene causes premature aging. This lead to WRN Werner's syndrome.
Chromosome 9:
This determine the blood group. It also has in a disease we suffer. Skin cancer is more likely in people with faulty CDKN2 tumor repressor gene. This lead to Malignant Melanoma.
Chromosome 10:
This chromosome contains the gene CYP17, which produces an enzyme that converts cholesterol into hormones called cartisol and testosterone. These hormones produce stress in the body. Defect in MEN2A gene causes tumors of thyroid and adrenal glands. This leads to multiple Endocrine Neoplasia.
Chromosome 11:
This contains genes which influence our personality. Harvey RAS once gene predisposes to common cancers. This leads to cancer.
Chromosome 12:
This is self assembled. Defects in PAN gene causes mental retardation by blocking dygenstion of common amino acid in food. This leads to PAH Phenylketounria.
Chromosome 13:
Stores characteristics of the past lives. Defects in BRCA2 gene raises risk of Breast cancer.
Chromosome 14:
This is of indestructible nature. Faulty AD3 gene is linked with the development of plaques in the brain. This leads to PS1 (AD3) Alzheimer's disease.
Chromosome 15:
Determines gender. Abnormal FBN1, gone weakens connective tissue potentially rupturing blood vassels. This leads to marfan's syndrome. (position unknown)
Chromosome 16:
This contains memory, faulty PKD1 gene causes Cysts to form, which trigger kidney failure. This leads to polyeystic Kidney disease.
Chromosome 17:
This determines the life span, mutations in PS3 gene increase vulenability to cancer. BRCA1 predisposes to breast cancer.
Chromosome 18:
Helps in recovery from illness. Damage to DPC2 gene accelerates pancreatic cancer.
Chromosome 19:
This determines fertility, defective gene for apolipoprotein raises blood cholesterol, predisposing to artery blockage. This leads to coronary heart disease.
Chromosome 20:
Abnormal adenosine de-minase (ADA) gene destroys immunity. Correctable by gene therapy. This leads to severe combined immunodeficiency.
Chromosome 21:
Wasting disease linked with defective super oxide dismutage (SOD1) gene. This leads to Lou Gehrig's disease.
Chromosome 22:
This characterizes freedom of thought. Abnormal DGS gene triggers heart defects and facial changes. This leads to Digeorge Syndrome.
Chromosome 23:
Abnormal DMD gene triggers muscle degeneration. This leads to Duchenne muscular Dystrophy.
Chromosome 24:
Governed by the SRY gene of testis - determining factor. This leads to Testicle development.
Doctoral Thesis, JVBU