Biological Beginnings

What Makes You, You

Each one of us is made up of genes given to us by our parents. Genes, which are made

out of DNA instructs our bodies to make proteins. The proteins that are created by genes help

build and sustain our bodies. Genes are put together into structures called chromosomes. We

receive 23 chromosomes from our father and 23 from our mother for a total of 46 chromosomes.

The make-up of these 46 chromosomes is what makes you uniquely you.

In this process of creating life, problems do come up. Single-gene defects and

chromosomal abnormalities are the two main types of genetic disorders that occur. The single-
gene defect is caused by a single mutated gene. This disease is passed on from the receiver of the

disorders gene pool. The results of this defect ranges from subtle to severe. Diseases such as

sickle cell anemia and Huntington disease are caused from the single-cell defect. Chromosomal

abnormalities happens when there is an extra, missing, or deformed chromosome. The

abnormality can cause cognitive and physical issues; such is the case for children with Down

syndrome and angelman syndrome. Children affected by these genetic problems require special

attention and love, in some cases the children may need frequent medical care. Though these

diseases can have a serious impact on the childs life, accommodating their needs can make it

better.

Along with the genes we inherit from our parents, part of what makes us who we are is

our environment. The genes inside us gives us a set of traits to start with, but the environment

around us can change those traits by either promoting them or breaking them down.
 This can be a good thing in a situation where a trait is negative. The environment surrounding

the child with the unwelcoming trait can modify it for a positive change. For example, a child

who is naturally aggressive can learn to modify and control that aggression if the environment

around him or her supports it. If the people around the child handles the aggression in a calm

matter, the child can learn to do the same and change that trait. Nurture vs. nature will always be

a topic that is debated, but studies have proven that both genetic behaviors and a childs

environment can affect who they and who they will become.
 The Formation of Life

The process of the creation of a new life begins with an ovum and a sperm. The ovum

travels to a females fallopian tube during her ovulation period. When this ovum is met with a

males sperm, conception occurs. Once the sperm and ovum connect, they combine their

chromosomes and form a zygote. The zygote begins to moves towards the uterus where it will

eventually form into a fetus. During this journey towards the uterus, the zygote replicates its cells

in a process called mitosis. When the zygote reaches the uterus, it separates itself into two

different part, the placenta and the soon to be embryo.

The embryonic period lasts from the 2nd to 8th week of gestation. In this time an umbilical

cord forms which connects the mother and embryo. Amid this 6-week period, the embryo has

many physical changes. The embryos heart, head, limbs, and torso are created. The placenta also

goes through some major changes, growing in size and strength as it gives the embryo the

support it needs.
 Week 9 to birth is the fetal period. During this time, the fetus continues to grow. Many of

the important necessities to survive outside of the womb are being developed. By the third

month, the fetus face is well formed and begins to have a more human resemblance. Six months

in, the brain has made big steps in development and the nervous system starts to control some

body functions. By the end of the ninth month the fetus is considered full term and is ready to

leave the womb.

Around the end of the ninth month, mother and baby are ready for labor. The majority of

babies are positioned with their heads down, ready to be pushed out. The mother is feeling
uncomfortable at this point, unable to sleep with the pressure of the baby weighing down on her

pelvis. Labor has begun with the onset of contractions. Contractions widen the cervix to make

space for the baby to come out. When the cervix is dilated to 10 centimeters, the baby descends

the birth canal and the mother begins to push. If complications such as the babys heart rate drops

or the baby is not head down, a doctor will perform a caesarean delivery where they will cut

through the mothers abdomen and take the baby out. The birthing process is tiring and painful

for the mother, but a midwife or doctor is present to assist. Pain medication is offered to help

with the pain of labor. Once the babys head is out, the assisting doctor or midwife checks if the

umbilical cord is not around the babys neck before they proceed. After the mother pushes, the

rest of the babys body out, the baby is cleaned and handed to its parents. A new bond is formed

with the parents, and a new life begins.