Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. fingerprint (n.) [fing-ger-print] -
unique curved lines at the end of the finger that can be used to identify
somebody
Example: Two
policemen got fingerprints that may
help identify the store robbers.
2. fetus (n.)
[fee-tuhs] – unborn young or offspring
Example: According
to studies, a fetus inside the
mother’s womb can already hear sounds.
3. gene (n.) [jeen] – basic unit in human biology that transfers characteristics or traits from one
generation to the next, e.g., parents to children)
Example: Many
experts say that a person’s intellect is passed on by his or her parents
through the genes.
4. mutation (n.) [myoo-tey-shuhn] – the act or process of being changed or altered
Example: The pupa
exposed to chemicals had physical mutations.
5. immigration (n.)
[im-i-grey-shuhn] – the act of transferring to a new country in order to stay there permanently
Example: My
Japanese friend is completing the documents necessary for her immigration to the United
States.
Article
Read
the text below.
Fingerprint patterns are used to identify a person’s identity. In fact, as early as
24 weeks inside a mother’s womb, a fetus has already developed unique fingerprints. Generally,
no two people have the same fingerprints.
However,
some people do not develop dermatoglyphs or fingerprint patterns. This
condition is called adermatoglyphia .
Researchers
from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel have recently discovered why
this phenomenon occurs. Headed by Dr. Eli Sprecher, the team made a test on a
Swiss family affected by adermatoglyphia. The study involved comparing the genes of the nine family members
without fingerprints to the seven family members with prints.
Results
revealed that a gene mutation
may be the cause of missing fingerprints. It was found that people
who have adermatoglyphia have shorter versions of the gene called SMARDCAD1.
This gene regulates other genes related to body development.
Not having
fingerprints may have negative effects. People with adermatoglyphia may find it
difficult to travel to other countries that require fingerprint recording.
Because of this, adermatoglyphia is sometimes called “immigration delay disease.”
People with adermatoglyphia also suffer from skin
blistering, facial tumors and lack of sweat glands in the palm. Researchers are
still investigating the reasons for these additional disorders.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What would you do
if you didn't have fingerprints?
·
What do you think
are the advantages and disadvantages of not having fingerprints?
Discussion B
·
What types of
genetic disorders are common in your country?
·
What types of
illnesses run through your family?