So, Doctor, what is LHON?

1
(No Transcript)
2
So, Doctor, what is LHON?
LHON is a disease of the mitochondria.
mitochondria. Those are the things in cells that
supply energy. They're in the cytoplasm, yes?
That's right! Now what do you know about genes?
3
Genes control a lot of your features like your
eye colour. You get them from your dads sperm
cell and your mums egg cell.
Well done! What normally happens when a sperm
fertilises an egg?
4
The sperm nucleus gets into the egg. Then the
egg nucleus and sperm nucleus join together to
make your first complete cell.
Exactly! But whose mitochondria did you get?
5
All your mitochondria come from your mum. You
only get a nucleus from your dad.
That's right! But mitochondria have a few genes
in them, and Maya's are faulty. That's why she
went blind.
So her children will go blind too?
Yes. And I am afraid there's no treatment. But
scientists are working on it. Let me explain.
6
(No Transcript)
7
Right, Darcy. I'll let you get back to your
patients. You'll have to tell Maya and Jake that
there is no solution to their problem. There
might be a treatment in future, but will it be
too late?
n How 2-parent fertilisation usually happens
n The scientists' idea for 3-parent
fertilisation n Why and how 3-parent
fertilisation might help them in futureif they
can wait.
Plan what to say to Maya and Jake. Prepare
diagrams to help you explain
8
Can I ask you something else? I'm thinking of
become a nurse or health care assistant. Can you
tell me about your work?
My job is not easy. I have to tell people
difficult things. I need to be emotionally strong
and physically fit. I have to stay calm in a
crisis. But I love my work. It's really
rewarding. And there's no chance to get bored!
So what skills do health care assistants and
nurses need?
9
(No Transcript)