Human Genome Project - Essay Example

Human Genome Project: The Base for Scientific Innovations Decades ago, several biologists dreamed of a research project on the most basic part of a mans anatomy, the genome--which can alter how we view them today. Basic biology is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and genes. DNA, as described by Roth (2007), pertains to the “long string of nucleotide letters (A,T,G,C) ... which make up the (hereditary) instructional information.” He added that DNA contains several protein segments called genes, while the whole arrangement of these genes is termed genome. In relation, more than a decade ago, several countries funded an ambitious undertaking called the Human Genome Project. It had been set out to arrange almost “3 billion letters or base pairs in the human genome” (National Institute of Health, n.d.). Such feat is significant because most of what we know regarding the composition of our tissues and organs come from studying their genetic make-up. Although Human Genome Project holds promising prospects for medical revolution, there are still arguments on whether the expensive mission is limited only in the medical innovation or it can be applicable in other important fields as well. Brief Summary on Human Genome Project The Human Genome Project, as mentioned earlier in the discussion, is a huge program that serves as the fundamental key in unlocking the secret of heredity and how to interrupt its course in the most effective way possible. Due to large volumes of genes to be reviewed, the team created a genetic map, a measurement for the genes’ distance from one another. Biologically, it determines which genes are likely to be inherited by a person, since “genes which lie close together ... have a much higher chance of being inherited together” (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2010). By charting the genetic codes, identifying patterns is accomplished easily. After mapping both human and animal samples, the next step is sequencing them. Fortunately, the latest technology proved to be helpful in speeding up the project, shortening the course into several years (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2010). The sequencing process is performed in order to organize the genomes into several patterns for easy storage and retrieval. After several years of grueling work, the outcome of the project is a success--had been launched its discovery in 2003 (Centre for Genetics Education, 2007). The enormity of the project does not only lie on the information gathered after the research, indeed, the results is only the cornerstone for larger undertakings that are achievable with such a detailed account of human genomes. Plausible Application of Human Genome Project Results As the findings of the Human Genome Project are completed, many fields of sciences are contemplating its full utilization. One leading area that has been rooting for it is the field of medicine. It can have a profound impact on “molecular medicine and risk assessment” (“Potential Benefits of Human Genome,” 2009). With such knowledge, medical staff can employ methods to prevent and treat the condition on the molecular level. Since most of the pathologic conditions are coded in human genes, the project is utilized to disrupt the course of the disease, hence, improving the overall condition of the patients. What is great about it is that that it can be employed even before the condition manifests (Centre for Genetics Education, 2007). This implies that fewer people will suffer if diseases are detected at its initial stage within the genes. Moreover, several areas in medicine, including the pharmacological and genetic therapy, have continually yield positive reception--proving that the study of genomes is the best path to assume. Medicine is not the only beneficiary of the project. Other disciplines have been anticipating on the project’s release. The use of genome mapping to remove weak traits in several crops is promising (“Biotech Advances in Crop Research,” 2010). The agricultural sector has employed genetic mapping to boost the quality of livestock and yield of harvest. The Energy department, too, has gleaned it possible to use the genome in “energy production, environmental remediation, toxic waste production, and industrial processing (“Potential Benefits of Human Genome,” 2009).” All these in turn boost the economy--improving the lives of more citizens worldwide. With the accuracy of the project, it can either save or convict people’s lives. The extent of success of the project is still questioned by some skeptics--not all hereditary conditions can be therapeutically altered. In the quest to find the source of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart conditions, scientists reluctantly admitted failure. Despite decades of hard work, the team still has no clue on “where to look for the roots of common diseases” (Wade, 2010). Several analysts are empty handed despite the use of genetic sequence. Furthermore, limitations do not end at this point. Since the project is decidedly novel, scientist are still grasping on the manipulation of such information, relatively “unsure on how to interpret the results of ... available gene test” (Casey, 1999 ). The lack of standardized procedure on which to base the result shows weak links--extending the full implementation further. This can threaten the confidence of the recipients for the project--adding psychological stress for those at the receiving end. It seems that time is the limiting factor that deems the project as imperfect. Policies on how to handle cases of miscalculations, as explained by Casey (1999), are not yet completed. Hence, safeguards against potential health risks increase the threat of the project. These shortcomings are proof that with such knowledge comes great burden in protecting the lives of the people. Indeed, Human Genome Project may have demonstrated a number of scientific advancements, yet, a lot of areas still require thorough polishing for it to be launched as full-pledge innovation wonder. Conclusion There is little area left untouched by the proceedings of Human Genome Project. The detailed compilation of genetic patterns of various species ensures that most of the biologic substances walking in the earth soil can be genetically enhanced. Infirmities are improved, and traces of negative characteristics are eliminated. Human Genome Project is a breakthrough blueprint, initiating the development of other fields of expertise. Nevertheless, like the people who studied the project, it is also fraught with risks. At this point, odds are that the project can do more harm than good to humanity. However, its dynamism seems to ensure scientists that there are other means to correct the hidden flaws of the project. Overall, outcomes of the Human Genome Project hold endless possibilities--ones that can outweigh minor imperfections in human processing. It is better, then, to take the plunge rather than let fear of the unknown hold us back from the promise of an enriched future. References Biotech advances in crop research continue as result of Human Genome Research. (2010). Retrieved from http://folderol.org/ Casey, D.K. (1999). Genes, dreams, and reality: The promises and risks of the new genetics. Judicature, 83 (3). Retrieved from http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/publicat/judicature/article3.html Centre for Genetics Education. (2007). The human genetic code-The Human Genome Project and beyond. The Australasians Genetics Resource Book. Retrieved from http://www.genetics.com.au/pdf/factsheets/fs24.pdf National Human Genome Research Institute. (2010). Understanding our genetic inheritance. Retrieved from http://www.genome.gov/10001477 National Institute of Health. (n.d.). Human Genome Project. Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/HumanGenomeProject.pdf Potential benefits of Human Genome Project research. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/benefits.shtml Roth, S.M. (2007). Primer for exercise science and health. United States of America: Human Kinetics. Wade, N. (2010). A decade later, genetic map yields few new cures. The New Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/health/research/13genome.html?_r=1 Read More