Introduction
Proteins have diverse roles in the cells, and most genetic diseases are a result of missing or abnormal proteins. Phenylketonuria (PKU) can be described as the failure of the body to metabolize phenylalanine (Alsharhan & Ficicioglu, 2020). Alkaptonuria is a disease where the patient’s urine turns black because of the inability to absorb tyrosine and phenylalanine (Alsharhan & Ficicioglu, 2020). There are two types of yeast strains, prototrophic and auxotrophic. Prototrophic strain is capable of breaking down simple sugar and vitamins to obtain the needed nutrients. Auxotrophic, on the other hand, are the strains that are unable to synthesize nutrients from simple proteins and sugars (Zengler & Zaramela, 2018). This essay will discuss the similarities and differences between yeast strains and human diseases.
Similarities
One of the similarities between the yeast strain and the human diseases is that specific proteins cannot be metabolized. In auxotrophic strains, there is an inability to absorb certain proteins, which is similar to the disease PKU where phenylalanine cannot be metabolized. For alkaptonuria, the body is unable to absorb tyrosine and phenylalanine. The reason for the failure to metabolize some proteins is that the liver does not have the enzyme needed to catalyze the proteins (Alsharhan & Ficicioglu, 2020). Another aspect is that the mutations that result from PKU and alkaptonuria lead to the formation of enzymes that are not functional. This is similar to the auxotrophic yeast strains where the enzymes are present, but the yeast is unable to develop pathways for synthesis. Another similarity is that the mutant genes causing alkaptonuria and PKU act in the same way as the mutants, which affects the ability of auxotrophs to synthesize certain substances.
Differences
One of the differences between yeast strains and human diseases is pigmentation. Patients with PKU experience changes in pigmentation in their skin and hair. This is caused by the increase in phenylalanine levels, which affects the production of melanin (Alsharhan & Ficicioglu, 2020). Auxotrophic yeast strains produce a red pigment that is different from that of phototrophic yeast strains. Another aspect is that prototrophic yeast strains do not need supplementation to develop the biological pathways needed for synthesis. This is different from the auxotrophic strain, which requires additional nutrients. Alkaptonuria and PKU also possess enzymes that cannot be metabolized and hence require supplementation (Alsharhan & Ficicioglu, 2020). Another difference is that prototrophic yeast strains do not have mutations and resemble wild strains, while alkaptonuria and PKU are a result of gene mutations. Auxotroph has mutations that lead to the inability to synthesize certain substances.
Model of Systems
Comparative genomics enables humans to compare the genetic sequence of different organisms. This helps in identifying the similarities and differences in the genomes of organisms, which allows scientists to search for cures for human diseases. Model systems for comparative genomics allow scholars to identify certain genes and comprehend their benefits (Zengler & Zaramela, 2018). The systems are essential in allowing the field of human health to improve. The need to understand the way genes function is centered on the understanding that most genetic disorders are a result of mutations.
Conclusion
In summary, proteins play a significant role in the body. Yeast strains, PKU, and alkaptonuria are similar in their mutations and metabolism characteristics. The four differ in pigmentation and the need for supplementation. The mutated yeast strains require assistance to break down certain proteins. Therefore, comparative genomics is essential because it allows scientists to understand more about genetics.
References
Alsharhan, H., & Ficicioglu, C. (2020). Disorders of phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism. Translational Science of Rare Diseases, 5(1-2), 3-58.
Zengler, K., & Zaramela, L. S. (2018). The social network of microorganisms—how auxotrophies shape complex communities. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(6), 383-390. Web.