OCA2 Gene - Hair Color Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

OCA2 Gene - Hair Color - Essay Example I will analyze the Oculocutaneous Albinism gene type 2 (OCA2) and its effect on color change of the hair and how different individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds are affected. Oculocutaneous Albinism Type II and Hair Color Changes Identification of OCA2 may have the following implications on a child or individual: A change in the color of the hair or an elevated color levels in hair, the iris is normally translucent, dancing eyes that may lead to impaired vision, or a general eye complication that makes it difficult to have a normal vision. OCA is normally diagnosed in a child or an adult with poor vision or reduced visual contact. In addition, these individuals often have a change in skin complexion and a different hair color that is considered not normal. In dark skinned affected individuals, it is easier to identify OCA2 because the skin may lighten and the color of the hair changed. In light-skinned individuals however, it may be more difficult; hence, there is need to conside r the other symptoms like a change in iris color. Albinism does not discriminate and affects all races. Our case type 2 is mostly evident in individuals in African and African American population. It however affects both male and female sexes with it being more evident in male persons female because albinism is sex linked. Albinism is often more evident in individuals during childhood stage where the characteristics mostly witnessed are a change in skin pigments and a change in hair color (Peracha). Individuals having Oculocutaneous albinism because of mutation in the OCA2 gene often depict traits of blond, light brown or light yellow hair. There is often reduced coloring in the skin, hair and the eyes sometimes impaired vision. The key cause of these traits is always a reduction in the production of melanin that is responsible for the normalcy in the color of these components. Several mutations exist in individuals with OCA2, some of which I have listed above. The commonly found mu tation is the complete absence of the gene responsible for normal coloring. This is usually evident among occupants in sub- Saharan Africa where extreme cases of albinism are witnessed, among African Americans and in Native Americans. These genes are inherited from our parents and mostly are not noticeable in the carrier parents until passed on to the children where they are now more evident. In OCA2, individuals from European Ethnic origin often experience a light yellow color change often evident during birth. In some cases, the hair may have white pigments and may darken with time. This group of Oculocutaneous albinism normally shows much lighter symptoms as compared to the first group. Caucasians with OCA2 have red hair in place of blonde while in most Africans and African Americans, the hair color is light brown complemented by light skin. In another instance, individuals from Asian and northern European origins are found to have a normal skin and hair complexion and only stand out when they are compared to their family members. Their skin complexion is normally lighter when compared to that of individual members of their family who are unaffected. It is evident that the skin color in OCA2 is not as affected as the one in Oculocutaneous albino group one that has a very sharp distinction in pigment alteration. This is evidence that the melanocytes in this

Mystery religions of the Hellenistic era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Mystery religions of the Hellenistic era - Essay Example Although the religions were present several years before the Hellenistic era, their popularity increased significantly during this period and even spread through the entire Mediterranean region (Ferguson, 1980, p. 157). The mystery religions were created in several diverse geographical areas including India, Iran, Egypt and Greece, yet all of the mystery religions were based on myths that were very similar to each other. Although they were diverse in geographical origin, heterogeneous in historical development, and theological orientation, during the Hellenistic period the various mysteries shared a similar response to the religious needs of the day, and they resembled each other sufficiently to warrant being classified and discussed together† (Meyer, 1987, p. 4). This paper will mainly focus on the Greek mystery religions in the Hellenistic period. The mystery religions, which were often considered cults, promised their followers good things although most of these promises wer e never fulfilled. Examples of the mystery religions were the worship of single deities like Demeter, Kore, Orpheus, Isis and Cybele (Grant, 1962, p. 98). These figures were taken from ancient myths and legends, telling stories of Demeter, the goddess of grain, and her daughter Kore, also known by the name Persephone, Orpheus and his lute and other major figures. (Tripolitis, 2002, p. 17) They mingle stories about the world of men and the home of the gods on Mount Olympus, relating natural events like the passing of the seasons to myths about the underworld. By attaching stories to these things, people gave meaning to their lives, and through rituals and gifts, felt that they could have some influence on how their crops would turn out, or how they would get through the darkness of winter. Although literature and history do not always recognize the importance of the mystery religions in the Hellenistic era, they were a significant part of the Greek culture and without a doubt influen ced many aspects of life. As a result of this they also affected history and there is plenty of evidence in the form of statues, ritual objects, paintings and other relics which show how these divine figures were part of daily life. Of further importance is the legacy the mystery religions left, and how they affected subsequent religions. It appears that the mystery religions had great similarities with early Christianity. This paper will therefore discuss what the mystery religions were during the Hellenistic era, how much we can find out about them and what they had in common with early Christianity. The background of the mystery religions In comparison to the previous Hellenic culture the Hellenistic society was multicultural, open, and tolerant (Mathews and Platt, 2008, p.87). Before, and during the Hellenistic period the Greek citizens worshiped the Olympian gods and goddesses. Greek religion was an indispensable part of private and public life and the polis and religion could not be separated (Mathews and Platt, p.43). The Hellenistic period, from the time of Alexander the Great through the Ptolemaic, Seleucid, and Antigonid Kingdoms established by his successors, witnessed the transformation of the polis (city-state). It can be argued that Alexander the Great’s conquest of 336-323 B.C.E. was a main factor that initiated the profound changes to the values of the old Greek polis and the Olympian gods and goddesses linked to the polis (Meyer, 1987, p.2). These changes most likely began because of the growing contact with other civilizations, including Egypt and the New East. During this time Macedonia overtook and philosophy, religion and every other aspect of life began to change. Although heirs of the