Normally the introduction of each chapter depicts a general idea of what Shubin will
be talking about.. However, in this case.. even the introduction wasn't as helpful. Indeed,
I had to reread the same paragraph numerous times, and I was getting frustrated
with what Shubin was endeavoring to portray. Fortunately, I was able to obtain a better
understanding after rereading the chapter, and the diagrams illustrated were VERY
helpful as well.. especially since this chapter was confusing. From left to right... important key concepts of DNA, ZPA, embryos, ZPA, "sonic hedgehog"... were being thrown at me.
It's quite amazing how little we know...how little I know in terms of how our OWN body parts.
The first thing the pops into my mind when "DNA" is mentioned.. are blood samples and
cheek swabbing with a q-tip. But DNA plays a more significant and greater role in life than I thought.. DNA literally is behind everything. In addition, I thought it was really weird that there
are genetic switches turning on and off inside each cell during our development.
I felt speechless when I came across the point in the chapter where Shubin conveys that even a slight arrangement of the ZPA tissue can produce a complete duplicate set of digits. Who knew that the SMALLEST changes can make a huge difference..
It's really sad because I'm sure that there's someone in this world with only an upper arm/piece of an arm and a forearm/ distorted arms in general... and they don't know why they look different from everyone else.
I mean. wow.... two little patches of tissue have complete control of the development of the pattern of bones inside our limbs.. and the damage those two little patches can make is a forever lasting scar in someone's heart that they weren't "normal looking like everyone else". This chapter definitely contributes to why we should be grateful for what we have that others don't...
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