The Human Genome and DNA Sequencing

Scientist is studying the human genome to determine its sequence. Understanding the genomic sequence can prevent any form of disease, however, each person does not contain the same genomes which means it is hard to understand each genomes sequences. The advantage of understanding the genomics, is to understand how human genomic mutations can lead to life-threating conditions such as cancer and prevent them from happening again. The disadvantage for researching genomics cost a lot of money, the research nearly cost thirteen-billion

Human Genome Project The Human Genome Project is an international project basically sponsored by the U.S Government. It started in October 1990 with an aim to sequence the entire human genome. The complete set of information present in the form of the genes in an organism forms its genome. Each human being has 23 pairs of chromosomes having DNA double helix in each.

A lot of people are interested in figuring out their genetic heritage. With that information they seek to figure out if their is a root cause to their health problems or just to see where their family was from based off of their DNA. Sequencing and analyzing DNA for individuals was not always possible. But as new methods were created, DNA analysis services were sold to people so they could have a deeper understanding about themselves, like how ones body is effected by caffeine.

- to determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs of the human DNA

Each chromosome is labeled as one of four types: A, C, G and T. Genomic medicine is the study of the sequence of those letters. Small changes in the code can make someone more susceptible to cancer and other diseases. The code letters can also differentiate one type of cancer from another. Understanding the genome can help doctor devise a better treatment regimen for any given patient. Professor Dame Sally Davies of the NHS is recommending that medical facilities rapidly sequence the genome for all patients. The NHS has already sequenced the generic blueprint of more than 31,000 patients. [2]

Also, DNA sequencing allows matching organ donors with recipients in transplant programs (Biotechnology Industry Organization, 2008). Another societal impact due to DNA sequencing is the use of it to identify paternity and other family relationships (Biotechnology Industry Organization, 2008). In addition, DNA sequencing has allowed the study of evolution through germline mutations in lineages by studying the migration of different population groups based on maternal genetic inheritance (Biotechnology Industry Organization, 2008). Thus, DNA sequencing has provided DNA identification and the understanding of evolution in

After the spike in DNA discoveries and confirmations that could be compared to the 1849 California gold rush, scientists began to try to find other uses for DNA. Since then, DNA has been used for many things such as finding criminals and confirming paternity/maternity. Also DNA has been used to track diseases and problems that start at the molecular level. Three of the newer advances in DNA technology are DNA Fingerprinting, Recombinant DNA (rDNA) and Paternity/Maternity Tests.

The more detailed structure of DNA analysis is to determine the nucleotide sequence. Over the time various methods have been developed to obtain the nucleotide sequence of DNA, currently the most widely used methods include automated sequencing and enzymatic chain termination. During this Case Study I will explain what a genetic mutation is and the difference between inherited mutations versus point mutations, I will also describe how the technology explained in "Cracking Your Genetic Code" can be used to detect mutations and predict your health, lastly I will give my opinion on whether or not genetic mapping should be utilize to develop and personalize medical treatment while identifying the dangers in knowing our personal genome.

In 1980 a projected called The Genome Project was proposed. Although, it didn’t officially start until 1990. The main idea of this project was to determine the DNA sequences of the human genome. Which could ultimately being around 3 billion nucleotide pairs. Another project is called The Human Genome Diversity Project, which is very similar to the Human Genome Project. Both of these projects discussed humans through DNA

Science is an astonishing, intellectual field; it teaches humans about life and allows them to alter it in order to reap desirable results. The diligence and intellect of scientists who are able to rework the human body has contributed to the sharing of many beautiful and tear-jerking stories about babies who have been born and patients who have survived. As technology and knowledge about the body increases, people begin to question how much we should use our intelligence to change the bodies that God has created. However, within the medical sphere, specifically with the process of modifying genes, scientists should use their God given gift of intellect to control the evil, residing in the form of diseases, that would otherwise destroy all

A type of next-generation sequencing is illumina sequencing. Illumina sequencing sequences large amounts of DNA in a single attempt. In this process, the sample is firstly cleaved into short fragments. Then, PCR is performed in order for amplification of each read to be carried out. This would subsequently lead to the creation of numerous copies of the same read, at a particular location. Then, separation into single strands occurs, so that sequencing can be performed. This process is followed by the introduction of fluorescently labeled nucleotides and DNA polymerase into the slide, with a termination so that one base is added each time. Therefore, at each read location, a fluorescent signal would be present to indicate the addition of a base. Then, another cycle is performed, with the terminators and fluorescent signals being removed so that another base can be added and to prevent the signal from interfering with future cycles. Computer technology is then utilized to detect the base at each site, so that a sequence can be constructed. This will result in sequence reads of the same length since the same number of cycles will be performed for each

The human genome project is something that I have been very interested with ever since first learning of it. I had heard bits and pieces of what it is about, but my interest was greatly stimulated by Dr. Whited in basic genetics 311 last spring. The discussion that we had regarding the project left me with several ideas and questions about not only the process and ethics involved, but the future of the study of genetics as a whole.

The Human Genome Project basically was a research program that worked on a goal to get an image of human genome and get a better understanding of all a human beings genes. DNA is founded on 4 chemical bases, they turn into twisted ladder shaped DNA molecules. And all the the four bases are what create the genes just placed in different ways and different lengths. One revelation of the human genome project was when they learned that there are about 20,500 genes. The Human Genome Project brought many scientist together around the world and each one was an important factor for the project. It was a publicly funded organization and got funds and support from the Department of Energy and US National Institutes of Health

The polymerase chain reaction or PCR for short can be used to create many copies of DNA. This allows the DNA to then be visualized using a dye like ethidium bromide after gel electrophoresis. The process has been refined over the years, however the basic steps are similar.

Due to the DNA’s specificity, samples can be utilised for identification. DNA is a nucleic acid composed of deoxyribose sugar bound to a phosphate group and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine). Each section of these three components are referred to as nucleotides, which are joined to the phosphate or sugar of another nucleotide by strong covalent bonds to form a backbone. The nitrogenous bases are joined to complimentary bases of another nucleotide (adenine with thymine, guanine with cytosine) to create a double stranded molecule (Figure 2). To complete the double helical structure, the molecule coils to compact it’s contents. DNA molecules can contain up to two million base pairs, with a human genome containing approximately 3 million base pairs. The random assortment of nitrogenous bases as well as the numerous mutations within certain DNA sequences, results in genetically diverese DNA molecules and genomes between individials.