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One important outcome of the work on the expression of genes in developing embryos
is sure to be knowledge that can help preventing birth defects. Just as promising (26)
is the possibility of unraveling the complicated writing (27) of the brain. A mechanic
gets valuable insight how an (28) automobile works by rebuilding car engines;
similarly, neuroscientists can learn how the brain functions from (29) the way it is
put together. The next step pursuing the (30) goal is to find out how the blueprint
genes, the home box genes, control the expression of other genes that create the valves
and piston of the working cerebral engine.
The protein encoded by the latter genes could change the (31) stickiness of the
cell surface, the shape of the cell or its metabolism to create the characteristic
peculiar to, say, neurons or neural-crest cell. Surface proteins may be the (32)
mechanism, whereby similar programmed cells stick together to form specific structures;
they might also sense (33)the local environment to help the cell decide what is to do.
Clarifying those mechanisms will engage the best talents in (34) embryology and
molecular biology for some times to come. (35) What is perhaps the most intriguing
question of all is if the brain is powerful enough to solve the puzzle of its own creation.
