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THE GENOME STORY - SO
FAR
What the Future Holds
What is the derivation of this word GENOME, which is the name given
to current research which is, undoubtedly, the greatest research project
ever undertaken.
"GENOME" is taken from two words 'GENE' and 'CHROMOSOME'. 'Gene' is
the word denoting the basic unit of inheritance and 'chromosomes' are
present in the nucleus of cells forming the human body. Most of the
body's 100 trillion cells contain a nucleus in which there are 46 chromosomes;
twenty three from each parent. Each chromosome is made up of a strand
of the molecule DNA, an abbreviation for Deoxy-ribo Nucleic Acid in
the famous 'double helix' formation.
From the studies now in progress, it is almost certain that great strides
will be made into the realm of these diseases which, at present, no-one
knows how to treat. It may be possible to eradicate inherited disorders
and to determine those of us who are vulnerable to develop particular
diseases. It will, perhaps, even be possible to make up treatment, specific
to the individual, and to replace defective genes.
So far 1,778 'disease genes' have been identified. Newly found genes
for Asthma and Alzheimer's disease may well be amongst the first medical
problems to be treated by some form of gene manipulation.
Apart from the field of medicine, the research is now pointing to an
increased knowledge of how the human body actually works. No-one really
knows the answer to that at this time. It was initially believed, that
about 100,000 genes would have to be investigated. It came as a complete
surprise to learn that the number would be closer to 30,000. The precise
number is not known at this time.
The Genome maps reveal a similarity between human DNA and other animals.
This similarity extends even to bacteria. It has been discovered that
chimpanzees have 99% similarity; dogs 85%, fruit flies 50% and yeast
20%.
Because of the relatively low number of genes involved, it is necessary
to look further for the reasons for the complexities inherent in human
developments. This means that we have realised that genes are not the
be all and end all. This poses several probing questions. Does this
mean that heredity is less important that was previously thought? The
running controversy, over which exerts the greater effect, nature or
nurture, has to be addressed.
The world should prepare for many years of exciting discovery.
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