Unraveling the Mystery: Human Recipe Book
The Human Genome Project was a 13 year long project that began in 1990 and ended in 2003. The project was sponsored by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The goal was to successfully map the projected 20,000-25,000 human genes, as well as determining the 3 billion DNA subunits. In March 2000, President Clinton announced that the genome sequence could not be patented, and should be made freely available to all researchers. Before, doctors could only examine the physical features of the human body. Now, they are discovering the unseen mystery of the recipe book of life.
They Use WHAT?
The Human Genome Project not only includes the study of the human genome, but similar genome studies are conducted on organisms of bacteria. E. coli, for example, has been selected as a model organism that will help develop technology and interpret human gene function. Scientists use bacteria as a model to aid research because they have a structure similar to a human's cell and DNA.
Ethical Questions: Is Society Prepared for the Genome Craze?
Some concerns about the Human Genome Project include:
- Use of the genetic information: Who will have access?
- Privacy
- Society's assessment of the genetic structures: Will you be treated differently because of your genome?
- Reliability: How reliable is the genetic testing?
- Health: Where is the limit between genetic treatment or genetic enhancement?
