Autism Neurological Disorder - Essay Example

Repetitive and obsessive behavior frequently occurs, as individuals with autism will oftentimes develop intense and focused interests in the specific subject matter. Biological Clock Several theories have emerged regarding the origins and causes of autism. One of the newly emergent theories involves considerations of the individual’s biological clock.

Within this mode of understanding, autism is understood as a timing disorder wherein individuals have difficulty determining communication timing. One important consideration in this context of investigation is that of the biological clock. Theorists have explored notions regarding biological clock genes regulating neuronal oscillators in the brain that potentially affect the timing problems of autism. There has been research that has supported this hypothesis, with findings noting that “Two Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are enriched in clock genes in DNA obtained from autistic children” (‘Autism’, ppt).

The two nucleotides referred to are Period-1 (Per-1) and NPAS2. Still, these nucleotides are in non-coding segments, complicating their potential as causing a disorder. microRNA Recognizing the challenge of non-coding nucleotide mutations contributing to a disorder such as autism, researchers have explored the microRNA ("Micrornas provide new," 2011). In these regards, RNA forms secondary nucleotide structures. The miRNA functions by recognizing a seed sequence, as 7 nucleotides at the 5’ end bind to a 3’ end of the target.

Notably, there are base-pairing consequences that occur in the microRNA functioning. Among these consequences include the degradation of the mRNA target, a block in translation resulting in new mechanisms of action, and subsequently new data that can activate translation. This is central to the understanding of autism as related to the human’s biological clock through nucleotide polymorphisms, as it indicates that through these base-pairing consequences the non-coding nucleotide segments can be demonstrated to potentially contribute to the mutations that cause autism.

While there are a variety of interpretations of this subject matter, scientists believe that such impaired gene silencing in early brain development directly contributes to autism. Conclusion In conclusion, this essay has examined the neurological disorder of autism. In this context of understanding, current scientific explanations for the theory have been considered with specific reference to the biological clock and microRNA. It’s demonstrated that scientists argue autism is a timing issue closely correlated with a human’s biological clock, notably nucleotide mutations.

While these specific nucleotides are non-coding, through impaired gene silencing involving mRNA in early brain development allows for the impact of the biological clock in causing autism.