How Is Biotechnology Important In The Successful Sequencing Of The Human Genome?
A question I need to answer in a college acceptance essay, and I need ideas on how to get it started. So, idea away! Ill take anything factual that applies to this, I just need a good starting point.
Suggested Listening:
Human Dignity in the Biotech Century: A Christian Vision for Public Policy (Colson, Charles)"If ever there was need and opportunity for Christians to shape culture, it is now," write Charles W. Colson and Nigel M. de S. Cameron. The con... Read More >
Related Posts
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:41 am
1. The first human genome was sequenced in a race between a biotech company (Human Genome Sciences, Craig Venter & comapny) and the public sector (NIH). It took many years and billions of dollars.
2. We all have out own unique human genomes. Our genomes determine what diseases we are at risk for, how we respond to specific medicines (and more). So, the real utility of sequencing the human genome will not be FULLY realized until we can all have our own genomes sequences for medical purposes (and more I suppose). This will enable what is referred to as Personalized Medicine.
3. Obviously, many years of effort and billions of $$$ to sequence a single human genome is not feasible as a medical procedure. Many biotech companies are inventing what are called “next generation sequencing” methods (see Next Gen sequencing, Pacific Biosciences and many other biotech companies) which will allow sequencing of our own genomes to be cost effective and quick enough to be medically useful.