Opportunities in Biology (1989) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-14
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Among the most significant have been those involving the uses of recombinant DNA, monoclonal antibodies, and microchemical instrumentation. Today, given a small amount of protein, we can clone the corresponding gene through the combined use of protein sequencing, DNA synthesis, and recombinant DNA techniques.
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Many diseases are far better understood at a functional and molecular level than they were a few years ago. Recombinant DNA techniques will help greatly in the development of improved vaccines and of specific DNA probes that can be used for carrier detection.
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For example, efforts are now being mounted to slow the loss of biological diversity and the destruction of tropical forests through improved land management, better application of the principles of conservation biology, and the formation of seed banks. It is crucial that the United States provide leadership and support in this area.
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In addition, these techniques have been used to determine the structure of complex molecular assemblies such as virus particles and the photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis. It is likely that with the extension of x-ray analytical methods, the structures of even larger complex molecular assemblies such as ribosomes will be determined over the next few decades.
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The development of monoclonal antibodies to unambiguously identify cell types and the application of tools of molecular biology to determine the nature of the growth factors and modifiers that regulate these cells are crucial for the understanding of many diseases of cell proliferation. Plant cells have many features in common with animal cells, but also differ from animal cells in many ways.
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Pattern formation operates during development to ensure the correct spatial arrangement of cells, tissues, and organs. Even though pattern formation lies at the heart of developmental biology, until recently it was relatively unstudied compared with other problems in development.
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A technique called patch-clamp measurement has enabled neuroscientists to study the individual physiological events that occur in nerve cells and that underlie the transmission and processing of information. Recombinant DNA techniques have made it possible to identify and sequence some neurotransmitter and neuromodulator genes and their receptors.
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The study of the nervous system will continue to provide the scientific and therapeutic underpinnings for neurology and psychiatry- for example, the application of molecular genetic approaches to diagnose neurological diseases and the application of modem biochemical and imaging techniques to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders. Even the few examples cited here make it clear that the study of the nervous system will be a subject of central importance in biology for decades into the future.
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The field of paleontology has been rejuvenated by the introduction of powerful modeling techniques that have enriched our understanding of extinction. Theories have been advanced about the possible role of asteroid collisions in major extinction events such as that which ended the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago, and we have gained a new appreciation of the ways major evolutionary lines originate.
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Drawing theories and practical methodologies from all of the other parts of biology, ecology provides feedback to them by illuminating the adaptive significance of characteristics of all kinds. As the theoretical basis of the field improves, its major concepts are being pressed into service to assist the human race (which has doubled its numbers since 1954)
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In addition, the role of large data bases and repositories needs special consideration, as do the relative merits of developing large research centers compared with additional support for individual investigators. T· ~ raining · Despite impressive advances and great opportunities in biology, we are rapidly approaching a crisis in training of biology researchers.
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· As biological research becomes more sophisticated, the need increases to develop interdisciplinary and flexible training programs for students, postdoctoral fellows, and established scientists. Equipment and Facilities .
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International Cooperation The United States has long encouraged and benefited from international cooperation in biological research. As other countries increasingly emerge as valuable sources of quality research, this policy of cooperation should be strengthened.
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