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Bio
362 Human Genetics Spring 2006
Take home final exam |
back to syllabus |
Read
the following paper:
Ikeda et al. 2006. Spectrin mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 5. Nat. Genet. 38: 184-190.
(Available on Louise.)
Write a summary and critique of the paper. In your introduction, include thorough information on SCA in general and on the molecular functions of the various genes associated with the disorder. You will need to look up further sources for this. Make sure you give sufficient background to clarify how the Ikeda et al. paper fits in with the current state of affairs regarding SCA research. For the assigned paper, summarize the reasoning behind the experiments, the approaches taken (be specific on how they work), and the data generated (be specific on why the authors can make their conclusions). Make sure that you cover the supplementary information online in addition to what is in the paper itself! Critique the paper in terms of the quality of the data, the accuracy of the authors' interpretations, and the implications for future research.
You MAY use your textbook, the WWW, and any printed material you can find. Be sure to cite any sources properly!! (See the Davidson Department of Biology Statement on Plagiarism.) You may NOT use your classmates (or any other person) as a resource. You may NOT tell each other about reference sources you have found. Feel free to contact me with questions; if I feel that your question is appropriate to answer, I will email a copy of the question and my response to the whole class.
There is no length restriction. Be concise but complete. Please email me your summary and critique by Monday May 8th at noon. A hard copy is not necessary, despite what it originally said on the syllabus. Please include your last name at the beginning of the file that you attach to your email.
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