Final answer:
The principal difference between Fugu's Huntington's genes and human Huntington's genes pertains to the specific genetic mutations and consequential effects on the nervous system. Human Huntington's disease is a dominant genetic disorder with a 50% inheritance risk, characterized by late-onset neuron degeneration. Fugu's contribution to such studies is related to its toxin, which can be used to understand neuronal function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between the Fugu (puffer fish) Huntington's and human Huntington's genes is that, despite both being vertebrates, their specific genetic mutations and the effects on the nervous system may differ significantly. The human Huntington's gene results in the production of an abnormal protein that leads to the loss of neurons in certain areas of the brain, resulting in symptoms like muscle spasms and personality changes typically appearing in middle age. Huntington's disease in humans is a dominant autosomal disorder, meaning if a parent carries the mutated gene, there is a 50% chance it will be passed on to their offspring. The pathophysiology in fugu has not been well-characterized, but it likely has divergent mechanisms due to different evolutionary pressures.
In terms of broader impacts, studying fugu can be informative for understanding neuron function and abnormalities. Fugu contains tetrodotoxin, which blocks sodium channels in neurons, preventing impulse transmission and potentially causing paralysis. This demonstrates how toxins can disrupt the nervous system's ability to transmit signals.
Additionally, understanding how diseases like Huntington's affect the nervous system can help us predict how environmental factors, such as toxins or drugs, might exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. This could be modeled in a neuron to observe potential changes in cell structure or signal transmission.