Imagine that you are a molecular biologist and that you have been asked to prepare a 2-3 page research paper to educate your colleagues on the molecular basis of a disease. You will use the information and knowledge you have gained in Units 1 and 2 to aid you in this task.

For example, progeria is characterized by rapid aging. Progeria is caused by a point mutation in the gene that encodes laminin A, a major structural protein of the nucleus. The mutated protein cannot be processed properly in the nucleus and limits cellular division, resulting in the severe symptoms of the disease. Those with progeria age at approximately 8 to10 times the normal rate – adolescents look like senior citizens, and have a senior citizen’s health problems (Cooper & Hausman, 2011).

Aging, cancer, metabolic and neurological disorders all have a molecular basis to the disease that examines the molecular biology of the disease process. You will first need to identify a disease that you want to describe.

Reference

Cooper, G., & Hausman, R. (2011). The cell A molecular approach. (5th ed.). Washington D.C. Sinauer Associates Inc.

Using the readings for Units 1 and 2, the Kaplan University online library resources, and the Internet, include the following information

• Identify the molecular structure and function of the areas affected by the disease. You should start with a description of the mechanism and molecules involved in this disease.
• Examine how the normal function in the cell has been disrupted by the disease state.
• Relate to the reader of your paper how the dysfunction or abnormal function of the cell results in the symptoms of the disease
• Identify any therapy or cure for the disease and explain how this therapy relates to the disease mechanisms in the cell.

Basic Writing Expectations

• Your Assignment should be at least 2 – 3 pages, not counting the title or reference pages.
• Include at least three outside references from scholarly sources.
• Include a title page, double space, font size 10 or 12.
• Always include an introduction, thesis statement and conclusion.
• Include a highly developed viewpoint/thesis, purpose and exceptional content.
• Demonstrate superior organization use logic.
• Synthesize the information you learn from your multiple sources. Do not construct paragraphs like a list of facts from one source, then another.
• Write the paper as if the reader is not aware of the assignment questions – your writing should clearly articulate your points.
• Make certain that your paper is free of grammar and spelling errors.
• Avoid plagiarism.
• Do not write a list of questions and answers
• Use the APA style for all references and citations.