Genomics Information Resources
Genomics describes the study
of an organism’s entire genome (all of the hereditary information encoded
within the DNA). Specifically this would involve mapping the complete DNA
sequence of one set of chromosomes.
The word ‘genome’ is an amalgamation of
the words ‘gene’ and ‘chromosome’ and was coined by Professor Hans Winkler
in 1920.
A number of ‘genome projects’ have been undertaken to map the entire
sequence of DNA for specific organisms. The first genome project to be
completed in 1976 was of the virus Bacteriophage MS2, which has the
comparatively small number of just 3,569 base pairs.
The genome is sequenced using a process called shotgun sequencing, which was
pioneered by Frederick Sanger to sequence the genome of the Phage Φ-X174.
This method involves breaking down the genome into millions of smaller
segments (like a disc blasted by a shotgun). These segments are then
analysed individually, then the segments are reconstructed using computer
technology to form the original sequence. This technique was utilised in
1995 to sequence the bacterial genome of Haemophilus influenzae, which
contained 1.8 million base pairs.
This method of shotgun sequencing was further perfected by Professor Gerald
Rubin, who used the technique in 1999 to sequence the genome of the
Drosophilae melanogaster fruit fly.
Soon after the process was considered
good enough to attempt to map the three billion base pair human genome.
There have been numerous announcements in the press between 2000-2007 that
the human genome has been mapped – which was the ultimate aim of the human
genome project.
Scientists seem to disagree on what constitutes a complete
map of the human genome; however, the most recent development was in
September 2007, when Craig Venter, and his team published a complete diploid
DNA sequence, mapping out the six-billion-letter genome for a single
individual. Scientists believe this to be the beginning of a field of
individualised genomic medicine.
Indeed the X PRIZE Foundation have said
they expect that in the near future, doctors will be able to review their
patients entire genome, allowing them to inform of susceptibilities to
disease and the best ways to keep healthy. Elaborate high end chromosome vista themes are now becomming more popular with the advent of more advanced operating systems.
The US department of energy (the department who initially funded the human
genome project) have published various ethical, legal, and social issues,
which may arise from their research. Some of these issues include:
~ Who has access to personal genetic information and how will this
information be used?
~ Do people’s genes make them behave in a particular way?
~ What is acceptable diversity and where is the line between treatment and
enhancement?
~ Will the patenting of DNA sequences limit the ability of industry to
develop useful treatments?
All of these subjects, as well as many besides these, need to be given very
careful consideration by all those involved in genomics. The line between
what is scientifically possible and what is socially acceptable do not
necessarily coincide with one another, so a careful balance between the two
needs to be established. Are scientists capable of regulating themselves or
is the quest for scientific breakthrough too strong to resist? Does society
need to catch up and accept the importance of new scientific discoveries? |
