CAJ #5: The Human Genome

Since the turn of the millennium, a group of scientists have found out more about the human genome–the genetic blueprint for a human being–through the international Human Genome Project (HGP) that was conducted from 1990 to 2003. Why was this project of great importance to genetic engineering? Here is why: Our human body resembles a complicated, encrypted code that scientists attempt to crack through mapping the human genome. Everything we are physically and that makes us unique is controlled by around 25, 000 genes that are located within our DNA (=deoxyribonucleic acid). Each chromosome of our total of 46 chromosomes holds an assortment of genes. These genes create different proteins that, among other things, determine specific structures or functions in the human body. For instance, how the organism looks or how it fights infections. DNA, the building block or molecule of life, comprises the genetic code which is basically the description of who we are. This code contains four letters, each representing a different base/protein: adenine (A) which always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) which always pairs with guanine (G). The particular order of these bases is extremely important. Long, double-stranded molecules, which are made up of four of these proteins each, are pulled together into the shape of a double helix (see image below). 

The human genome is the complete map of our DNA wherein all the genetic material can be found, the double helix that contains all of our genes. In order to identify all the genes and to determine the sequences of the entire human genome that contains approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, or letters, the HGP was launched in 1990. Because of this international 13-year effort that was sponsored by the Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health in the US, approximately 25, 000 genes could be analyzed and their DNA sequenced. This made it simpler and more efficient for scientists to screen embryo cells for genetic or chromosomal defects. Kind of awesome, isn’t it?

For a more animated explanation, see the following short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJycRYBNtwY

Although it would be technically feasible to manipulate the genes of embryo cells to go further than “only” prevent diseases of genetic or chromosomal nature, it is not yet actively applied due to serious ethical concerns worldwide. In February, 2009, when a fertility clinic in Los Angeles offered couples the possibility to choose their baby’s eye and hair color, public outrage ensued. 

This is, however, only the beginning of what genetic engineering will be able to do, especially with the rapid advances within genetics research. So what does this mean for society? According to Dr. Eric Swedin, Professor at Weber State University, “One can easily imagine in 50 to 100 years the popularity of 400-pound football linebackers, workers with superior strength or stamina, workers who excel in mathematics, or workers whose bones and organs can better withstand the effects of zero gravity for functioning in outer space.” While the Human Genome Project has already mapped out almost every gene and chemical base pair of the human genome, scientists continue to uncover the effects and interactions of each gene to learn which genes control specific traits, such as a person’s intelligence or athletic ability. As further techniques are being looked into to achieve these goals, it will not be long until we can modify genes for enhancement. 

Awesome or kind of creepy? You decide for yourself!