Genetic mapping - Research Paper Example

The dawn of modern genetics began with the unveiling of Mendel’s rules and Mendel’s paper in 1900. The term gene was first used in 1909; the first experiment on genetic mapping was published in 1910; and the first genetic map was materialized in 1913 (Kevles & Hood, 1992, p. 38). Thomas Hunt Morgan was the first person to elucidate the techniques of genetic mapping with his discovery of the X chromosome--the decisive sex gene, in 1910 (Kevles & Hood, 1992, pp. 43-44). In 1911, Morgan’s student, Alfred Sturtevant, mapped the location of the gene mutations that were studied by his esteemed professor (“Overview of the Human,” 2010).

The initial blueprint of the human genome was broadcasted on February 2001 in the journal Nature; which showed the progression of the genome’s 3 billion base pairs. The completed gene arrangement was published in April 2003 (“Overview of the Human,” 2010). Future employment of the project in the field of molecular medicine includes: refined disease diagnosis; early identification of predisposition and disease process; objective drug design; gene therapy; and custom drugs (“Potential Benefits,” 2009). . genes to develop alternative energy source, to create pollutant-detectors present in the environment, to prevent carbon emission that worsens global warming; for risk assessment; for information on the origin of species; for fast absolution of crime; and for agricultural purposes (“Potential Benefits,” 2009).

On the down side, gene mapping can create an air of animosity, injustice, and abuse on the part of the gene-owner (Narcisse, 1998); it can induce a feeling of apprehension and disappointment; and it will implicate not only the tested individual, but the family as well. Apart from the aforementioned disadvantages, gene mapping is also contravened by many issues; among which are issues on information confidentiality, psychological effects, reproductive and clinical issues, conceptual and philosophical implications, health and environmental issues, commercialization of products, and other uncertainties, such as the causative agent for complex conditions (e.g. heart disease) (“Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues,” 2008).

Information acquired through gene mapping, is presumptive and not prognostic (Rajeski, n.d., para. 3). It aids in the identification of gene mutation, insertion, and deletion that may or may not result in a disease. According to Claes et al. (2004), awareness of innate gene mutations can empower, as well as impose adverse emotional effects and feelings of distress. Knowledge of what could be can greatly alter the way an individual perceives the future and live one’s life. Some of the principles foreseen to be offended by the human genome project are autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, veracity, and fidelity (Daniels, 2004, p. 168). Easy access to the human genome database can violate a person’s right to autonomy.

Confidentiality