The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project began in the mid - 1980s as an international
scientific mission to map all the genetic material (i.e. genes) in
human chromosomes and ultimately build the complete set of genetic
information contained within molecules of deoxyribosenucleic acid
(DNA) known as the genome. The project aims to improve the methods
used to prevent and cure diseases because the keys to many of the
worst illnesses of our time, like cancer and diabetes, can be found in
genetic variations in DNA.
The Human Genome Project is international, and has involved
collaborations and contributions from researchers throughout the
world, all of whom have donated their results freely to the public
databases. It is the largest collaborative project ever attempted in
biology, involving scientists in the USA, Australia, Japan, Germany,
the UK, Italy, Russia, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Israel and
elsewhere.
The Human Genome Project aims to:
* Determine the sequence of the four bases (adenine, cytosine,
thymine and guanine) throughout all the DNA in human cells;
* Identify the estimated 100 000 genes formed by the bases;
* Find the locations of the genes on the 23 human chromosomes;
* Store all this information on databases for future research;
* Consider all the ethical, legal and social issues which arise from
obtaining information about the human genome.
DNA underlies almost every aspect of human health, both in function
and dysfunction. Obtaining a detailed picture of how genes and other
DNA sequences function together and interact with environmental
factors ultimately will...
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...rgy-related
agents, especially in terms of cancer risk.
Although there could be great benefits in human health and disease,
some people are not happy with the work being done on the Human Genome
Project and say its unethical and that the money could be better spent
on other things like improving the health of very poor people that
probably won’t benefit from the project and who will continue to be
vulnerable to infectious diseases. Although tests for diseases such as
cystic fibrosis are useful because they provide information on whether
people are carries of the disease or not, the results generated from
it may not be reliable. Also it could introduce risks of
discrimination by employers, insurance companies and others if they
discover whether or not someone has had a positive result for a
particular faulty gene.
The more we know about genetics and the building blocks of life the closer we get to being capable of cloning a human. The study of chromosomes and DNA strains has been going on for years. In 1990, the Unites States Government founded the Human Genome Project (HGP). This program was to research and study the estimated 80,000 human genes and determine the sequences of 3 billion DNA molecules. Knowing and being able to examine each sequence could change how humans respond to diseases, viruses, and toxins common to everyday life. With the technology of today the HGP expects to have a blueprint of all human DNA sequences by the spring of 2000. This accomplishment, even though not cloning, presents other new issues for individuals and society. For this reason the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) was brought in to identify and address these issues. They operate to secure the individuals rights to those who contribute DNA samples for studies. The ELSI, being the biggest bioethics program, has to decide on important factors when an individual’s personal DNA is calculated. Such factors would include; who would have access to the information, who controls and protects the information and when to use it? Along with these concerns, the ESLI tries to prepare for the estimated impacts that genetic advances could be responsible for in the near future. The availability of such information is becoming to broad and one needs to be concerned where society is going with it.
Advantages of genetic testing may be helpful in determining whether or not you have a disease or are proba...
By using identified gene mutations that are known to cause diseases, asymptomatic individuals are able to discover if they are at risk for specific genetic conditions; this is known as genetic testing. Unfortunately, genetic testing can vary in its predictive ability. For example, Huntington disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Fragile X syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 are conditions that can be determined by genetic testing (Samen, 1996). In contrast, for multifaceted diseases like Alzheimer’s, breast and ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer, predisposition can be determined with genetic testing. However, an absolute diagnosis of those diseases cannot be made (Heshka et al., 2008).
An advantage of this test would give this couple a peace of mind to an understanding of this disease and the risks or chances of having a child with CF. If neither has the recessive gene they can proceed to have children with less of a fear or emotional turmoil than normal for parents. A disadvantage would produce more anxiety, stress, and fear if both tested positive for this gene. As a family health nurse I would help ease their emotions and may refer them to a genetic counselor who would explain further testing and alternatives that will help guide them to becoming
Introduction: Throughout the years many people have asked the same question, ‘What is Genomics and is it really ethical?’ Genomics has been seen as unethical and it is largely frowned upon in many societies today, but scientists believe otherwise. Genomics has recently become a major breakthrough for scientists and they are working on many ways to show the world that it is in no way unethical and could benefit us and generations to come. Genomics is the study of a genome, which is the complete set of DNA in organisms.
Due to the human genome project and other genetic research, tests for mutation which cause diseases have been developed. The list of these illnesses include several types of cancer. Doctors have estimated that as many as 3,000 diseases are due to mutations in the genome. These diseases include several types of colon cancer in which three different genetic tests have been already developed. Debates have arisen on whether these tests should be used regularly or not. Questions including the patients= rights of privacy and the possibility of loss of health or life insurance have been argued over in both the media and political arena.
Whether you’re at basketball game or in the mall, you can see that people vary in size, skin color, and appearances. But did you know that no matter how different we all are as humans; we are just a single race. The variations that we see in everyday life are just physical differences but genetically humans are the same and “race” is term that has been used to distinguish human because of those physical differences. You may be wondering how one person from Canada and one person from Africa the same race, but it has been proven through the HGP (Human Genome Project). This project was led by scientist from all walks of the earth in order to try to understand and map the genetic structure of humans. They found that the term “race” is a false term to try and classify us by where we are from, geographically. There is no denying that we are different but through the HGP they have made us understand how, biologically, we are all the same.
The genetic technology revolution has proved to be both a blessing and a blight. The Human Genome Project is aimed at mapping and sequencing the entire human genome. DNA chips are loaded with information about human genes. The chip reveals specific information about the individuals’ health and genetic makeup (Richmond & Germov 2009).The technology has been described as a milestone by many in that it facilitates research, screening, and treatment of genetic conditions. However, there have been fears that the technology permits a reduction in privacy when the information is disclosed. Many argue that genetic information can also be used unfairly to discriminate against or stigmatize individuals (Willis 2009).
First, let's consider the situations in which genetic testing would be beneficial to patients. Genetic testing for diseases that are preventable or treatable could allow individuals to alter their lifestyles so as to treat the disease or reduce their risk of developing the disease. For instance, the E2 version of the APOE gene, which is found on chromosome 19, has been linked to heart disease (Ridley, 1999). Individuals who have two copies of the E2 gene are particularly sensitive to high-fat and high-cholesterol diets. Therefore, a genetic test to determine whether a person has the high-risk version of the APOE gene could inform a person of future health risks, thereby allowing the person to change his diet to help prev...
The Human Genome Project is essential for the human race to advance. With the ability to decimate human disease and even boost food resources, people will increase life expectancy alongside decreasing the percent of people around the world who go hungry each day. There can even be limits placed on Legal aspects of The Human Genome Project results that appease civil rights activists and will preserve ethics and diversity while still improving mankind. Humans will never have to fear disease or hunger. The future looks bright for all of mankind.
The age of genetic technology has arrived. Thanks to genetic technological advancements, medical practitioners, with the help of genetic profiling, will be able to better diagnose patients and design individual tailored treatments; doctors will be able to discern which medications and treatments will be most beneficial and produce the fewest adverse side effects. Rationally designed vaccines have been created to provide optimal protection against infections. Food scientists have hopes of genetically altering crops to increase food production, and therefore mitigate global hunger. Law enforcement officers find that their job is made easier through the advancement of forensics; forensics is yet another contribution of genetic technology. Doctors have the ability to identify “high-risk” babies before they are born, which enables them to be better prepared in the delivery room. Additionally, oncologists are able to improve survival rates of cancer patients by administering genetically engineered changes in malignant tumors; these changes result in an increased immune response by the individual. With more than fifty years of research, and billions of dollars, scientists have uncovered methods to improve and prolong human life and the possibilities offered by gene therapy and genetic technology are increasing daily.
The Genome Project has been an ongoing project sense 1990 and was finally completed on April 14th , 2003. The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health were the ones directing the Genome Project. The progress of the Genome Project is still unknown because the project was completely finished, but scientists are still going to be researching the Genome Project for many years. The project is like a master blue print of the body. The scientists estimated to find about 100,000 genes in the human body but only found as few as 30,000. There are 4 chemical components that make up DNA, cytocine (C), thymine (T), guanine (G), and adenine (A), these 4 components make up who you are. There are a few goals that scientists were trying to reach, such as finding the structure and function of a genome.
Not only can a negative genetic testing result affect your well-being, but also your ability to obtain health and life insurance. “Genetic testing may permit a much more complete and refined classification of people into risk categories, and so move us further away from sharing the financial burdens of illness and further in the direction of individualized premiums based on individual risk factors ("Genetics And The Moral Mission Of Health Insurance").... ... middle of paper ... ...
1. One couple in the UK who had a child that died from cystic fibrosis was able to screen their new fetus' genes so that their child would be born healthy (Begley).
The scientific and medical progress of DNA as been emense, from involving the identification of our genes that trigger major diseases or the creation and manufacture of drugs to treat these diseases. DNA has many significant uses to society, health and culture of today. One important area of DNA research is that used for genetic and medical research. Our abi...