Final answer:
The BCHE gene is associated with prolonged paralysis in response to anesthesia. Variations in this gene can lead to pseudocholinesterase deficiency, which slows the metabolism of certain anesthetics, prolonging their effects. Understanding these genetic variations is a key aspect of pharmacogenomics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gene associated with prolonged paralysis in response to anesthesia is BCHE, which stands for Butyrylcholinesterase. This enzyme is important for breaking down ester local anesthetics and certain general anesthetics such as succinylcholine, which is used to induce muscle paralysis during surgery. Genetic variations in the BCHE gene can lead to a condition known as pseudocholinesterase deficiency, which results in a slower metabolism of these drugs, thereby prolonging the effects of paralysis.
In the context of pharmacogenomics, understanding genetic variations like those in the BCHE gene is essential to predict individual responses to therapeutic drugs. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic variation affects individual responses to therapeutic drugs, and it's becoming an increasingly important part of personalized medicine to ensure drug safety and efficacy.