Abstract
This paper tries to explore the existence of "gay gene". Among several evidences, Hamer et al studies suggest that some genes at Xq28 region of X chromosome may influence the sexual behavior. The result of the study was wrongly presented by the media, which ultimately led to the development of a misconception among people at large, that homosexual behavior was governed by "gay gene". By presenting the facts in a lucid manner the paper tries to break the myth about the existence of "gay gene".

From the Paper
"The study was much publicized by the media2 and a layman, not familiar with scientific terms, soon developed a misconception that a gay inherits his homosexual behavior. In this context, Dr. Jeffery Stainover (2002) says, "It is important to note that serious research on the biology, innateness, or genetic determinants of homosexuality has only just recently begun. Exactly opposite to what the public is being led to believe, the research that has been done so far suggests that genetic factors account for, at most, but a small proportion of the risk." (Chapter "The Biology of Homosexuality: Science or Politics")3. Infact, LeVay stressed that his findings did not prove that homosexuality is genetic."

Tags:chromosome, homosexual, hamer

Abstract
Historically, there were certain basic views of the gene. Firstly, it was widely-maintained that RNA was an intermediary between DNA and functional protein; this was later disproved by the ENCODE project (-Lecture 16," 18). Beyond that, the evolution of our definition of the gene has changed substantially over the past century and we now look at a whole host of things - beyond RNA - in a different light.

From the Paper
What is Gene? Some Findings from the ENCODE Project Historically, there were certain basic views of the gene. Firstly, it was widely-maintained that RNA was an intermediary between DNA and functional protein; this was later disproved by the ENCODE project (-Lecture 16," 18). Beyond that, the evolution of our definition of the gene has changed substantially over the past century and we now look at a whole host of things - beyond RNA - in a different light. For instance, in the 1900s, it was held that cells contained genes; there was no understanding of the location, composition or structure of these genes, however. If our lecture notes are any indication, nothing changed

Tags:gene, encode, project

Abstract
The writer defines what gene therapy is - whereby cells are provided with new genetic material. It lists its advantages in the medical field especially in the treatment of cancer. The paper discusses the two main forms of gene therapy - in vivo and in vitro and looks at how the therapy is performed.

From the Paper
"One of the most important applications for gene therapy is as a potential cure for cancer. Cancer is a disease that occurs at the genetic level, with damaged genes being the cause of cancer. With genes being the cause of cancer, gene therapy is the most direct treatment approach. It gets to the base of the problem. Gene therapy is the process of providing cells with new genetic material. Cells can be provided with healthy copies of genes or the part of the gene that is damaged, or cancer cells can be delivered new genetic material that will allow them to be destroyed. There are two forms of gene therapy, in vitro and in vivo. The most common form is in vitro, which is where the targets cells are removed from the patient and then reinfused (Lewis, Heitkemper & Dirksen, 2000)."

Tags:cancer, cell, treatment, gene, dna, virus

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in today's modern world, the issue of gay marriage has spawned a huge debate centering on whether or not gay couples should be legally allowed to become married. Those who oppose gay marriage contend that such an arrangement if made legal would destroy American society by changing the traditional family unit of a mother, father and children; others point out that gay marriage is not supported by the Christian religion. The writer discusses that in contrast, those who support gay marriage contend that such an arrangement between either two men or two women is factually not that different from traditional marriages and that all of the arguments against gay marriage are based on misinformation, rumor and outright lies by numerous national organizations seeking to make certain that gay marriage is never made legal nor recognized as a legitimate way of living. The writer concludes that it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent.

From the Paper
"Not surprisingly, gay couples in today's America see this opposition to gay marriage as nothing less than an issue of civil rights. As outlined in the Bill of Rights, every American citizen is entitled to the same civil and legal protections regardless of race, national origin, religious beliefs and sexual gender. Thus, it is abundantly clear that gay marriage should be legal in the United States in the face of so much opposition which is mostly based on religious beliefs and unfounded cultural fears and phobias. For example, if the science of genetics does eventually determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that being gay is inborn, i.e. genetically predetermined, then what the Holy Bible says about homosexuality is hypocritical."
"In conclusion, it is quite clear that if gay marriage was legalized in the United States, our current social systems would not collapse nor become non-existent."

Tags:homosexuality, gay, couples, rights

Abstract
This paper proposes that a Constitutional amendment to protect gay rights is necessary in order to protect the diversity of the country. The paper argues that those who oppose gay rights are prejudiced and that their arguments against gay rights can be invalidated. The paper discusses why gay rights are important, why the arguments opposed to gay rights are wrong, and why people should care about gay rights.

From the Paper
"America is a boldly hypocritical nation. We are "the land of the free" but actively prevent people from living lives free from discrimination, from persecution, and from the kind of hatred that drove people out of Europe. The Declaration of Independence, the legal and spiritual foundation upon which this nation is built, indicates that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights. Those rights are being infringed upon by the same people that claim to protect them. It appears that gays must revolt to carve those rights out of the nation. African-Americans have been freed from slavery, women have been granted suffrage, racial discrimination laws have been passed, and the fight for gender equality in the workplace has begun. As each new triumph occurs other challenges present themselves."

Tags:homosexuals, discrimination, treatment, non-gay, population, proptecting, gays, lesbians

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the use of gene therapy to cure the inherited disorder of sickle cell disease. The writer focuses on the biochemistry of this treatment process. Further, the writer gives a review of sickle cell disease.

From the Paper
"Knowledge of a disease heralded by painful episodes of substantial intensity which in many instances leads to early death has existed in Africa for over a century. Stuart and Nagel pointed out that James Herrick a physician who was also a Chaucer scholar first identified sickle cells in a medical student from Grenada. In the first half of the twentieth century Linus Pauling showed the abnormal electrophoretic mobility of hemoglobin in an affected individual. Vernon Ingram discovered that the defect of ..."

Tags:sickle cell disease, gene therapy, biochemistry, Pauling

Abstract
This paper reviews an article which describes materials and methodologies available for gene transfer. The paper points out advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. The paper also discusses the need to develop specific methodologies for each particular research project.

Tags:gene transfer, transduction, transfection, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, liposomes

Abstract
This paper explains that both advocates and opponents of homosexual rights have supported efforts to determine the cause of homosexuality so that a policy and position on the status of homosexuals within society can be established. Next, the author reviews the biological genetic theory and the social theory; however, the author contends that identifying one distinct cause for homosexuality is problematic. The paper argues that the best position for the homosexual movement is to state that the cause of homosexuality is not important but, rather, the preservation of the equal rights for all people is the most paramount objective.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Gay Gene Fallacy
The Argument against Nurture
Conclusion: The Continuing Debate and the Direction of Homosexual Rights

From the Paper
One common theory is that sexual preference is biologically determined. Heterosexual and homosexual individuals are born with innate preferences that eventually determine their choice of sex partners. This view of homosexuality contends that homosexuals "Some evidence suggests that the widespread belief of a biological cause of homosexuality would help to reduce the incidence of discrimination based upon sexual orientation. In an empirical study focused upon determining the factors that influence the perception of social workers of homosexuals and homophobia,
"The understanding of a biological cause for sexual orientation was more likely to lead to positive regard for homosexual than other factors such as sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or living arrangements (urban versus rural). However, individuals who maintain very strong religious views, particularly those who view homosexuality as a sin, were ultimately the group most likely to maintain views described as homophobic.
"Based upon the results gathered through studies such as Swank and Raiz (2007), some gay rights advocates make the mistake of believing that a biologically determined cause for homosexuality would further the movement. Brookey (2001) explained that advocates of gay rights maintain that this research proves that sexual orientation is not chosen and therefore gays should not suffer from discrimination because of their sexuality."

Tags:medicalization, civil rights battle, lifestyle option, stigmatization religious dogma

Abstract
This paper will discuss the pros and cons of choice verses genetics within the scope of homosexuality. By showing that many gays are influenced by genetics in their sexuality, we can see how this creates a point in matter, but in the field of psychology, it is obvious that both have their flaws and positive aspects. Also, the elements of cell structure are as well, a factor in the way that a person may choose the homosexual lifestyle in their lives. With these differing theories we can see how they weigh each other out, but the pros and cons of each argument will make themselves apparent.

Abstract
This paper examines the causes of sexual orientation and cites many sources that indicate that homosexuality is a biological condition related to a region on the bottom of the X chromosome in the homosexual male.

From the Paper
"As the 20th century gradually becomes a smaller and smaller object in the rear view mirror of time, society's tolerance of discrimination based on one's sexual orientation is rapidly decreasing. While it may seem that homosexuality and bisexuality are relatively new compared to heterosexuality, this is not the case. This popular misconception is likely do to an increased presence and awareness of persons with these minority sexual orientations due to society's more tolerant attitude. In reality, it is likely that homosexuals and bisexuals have been around since the dawn of man; however, most were forced to hide their sexual orientation for thousands of years because of societal pressures. In fact, homosexuality and bisexuality did not begin with the evolution of humans. Despite the widely accepted belief that animals do not exhibit homosexual behavior, one of the main arguments behind the belief that homosexuality is somehow "unnatural," scientists have found evidence of homosexuality in over 450 species of animals (Price, 1999). Therefore, if humans evolved from animals that have heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual individuals, it would be expected, or at the very least not surprising, that humans would also exhibit these sexual orientations."

Tags:gay, genes, genetics, homosexuality, sex, traits, Kinsey, testerone, biology, heredity