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УЧЕБНИК ДЛЯ БАКАЛАВРИАТА 2 ЧАСТЬ.doc
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1.1. Express your point of view on the following questions.

1. Do you agree to the statement that we are what we eat? What is meant by bad eating habits? Is obesity a drastic problem? Why?

2. What do you know about genetically modified food? Do you approve of using GM food in nutrition?

1.2. Look through the text below. The Fundamentals – Genes and Genetics

Genes are discrete units of DNA. They are the blueprints which carry the information for the tens of thousands of proteins which act as the building blocks of all the structures and functions (biochemistry) that constitute the body of any organism from bacteria to humans. DNA can be likened to a long string of pearls where each pearl, representing a gene, occupies its own special place in the “necklace” which is vital for its correct function. Genetics, the study of genes, has two basic components. Firstly, there is the information content of each gene; that is, what gene carries the blueprint for which protein. Secondly, genetics has taught us that the activity or expression of each gene is of extremely tightly controlled and regulated. Put simply, each gene has its own set of sophisticated on-off switches to drive its expression ensuring that the correct protein and therefore appropriate structure and function, is present in the right place, time and quantity in the body.

Just as all forms of life are interdependent upon each other for survival and growth, no gene works in isolation from all other genes. The latest discoveries tell us that genes are arranged along the DNA in groups or “families”. The function of a given gene in a group is dependent on all the other genes that are represent within the same family. Furthermore, the genetic activity in one family of genes can effect the function of genes in other groups of genes. It is also clear that genes and the proteins that they rise to, have co-evolved together to form an extremely intricate, interconnected network of finely balanced functions, the complexity of which we are only just beginning to understand and appreciate. In addition, Nature has evolved mechanisms whereby cross breeding can only take place between very close related species. With traditional breeding methods, different variations of the same gene in their natural context (within the necklace of the pearls) are exchanged. This preserves tight control and complex interrelationships between genetic and protein functions that are vital for integrity of life as a whole.

Source: Living Earth. Режим доступа: http://www.psrast.org/mianbree.htm

Size: 2,162 characters with spaces

1.3. Lead-in Discussion. Answer the following questions.

1. What is it a gene? Why is it of such great importance to any living creature?

2. Why does the author compare genes with pearls?

1.4. Key Vocabulary

ENTRY

TRANSLATION

EXAMPLES AND NOTES

vital adj

жизненный; существенный; жизненно необходимый

  • Play a vital role in sth – иметь первостепенное значение для чего-то

  • Skilful employees are vital to the success of any company

evolve v

эволюциониро- вать; развиваться

  • Slowly these tiny organisms evolved into multicelled creatures

intricate adj

запутанный; сложный; затруднительный

  • an intricate tunnel system – сложная система туннелей

breed n

порода; потомство

  • rare breed — редкая порода

species n pl

вид; порода; разновидность

  • Over 120 species of birds have been recorded in this National Park

relate v

рассказывать; устанавливать связь

  • Philip began to relate the horrors of his childhood.

  • We offer courses that relate English literature to other subjects

DNA abbr

от deoxyribonucleic acid ДНК–дезоксирибонук- леиновая кислота

  • DNA contains all the inherited information about a person

FOCUS 2