Ch. 12 DNA Technology and Genomics

Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th Edition

Ch. 12 DNA Technology and Genomics

Problem 12

Chapter 12, Problem 12

What is left for genetic researchers to do now that the Human Genome Project has determined nearly complete nucleotide sequences for all of the human chromosomes? Explain.

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Identify variations and mutations: Researchers can focus on identifying genetic variations and mutations within the human genome. These variations can be linked to different diseases and conditions, helping in the understanding of genetic predispositions and the development of personalized medicine.

Functional genomics: The next step involves studying the functions of various genes and their interactions. This includes understanding how genes are expressed in different cells and tissues, and under various environmental conditions.

Proteomics: Alongside studying DNA, researchers can explore proteomics, which is the study of the proteome (the entire set of proteins produced by a genome). This helps in understanding how proteins affect cellular processes and how they interact with each other.

Epigenetics: Researchers can investigate how environmental factors and lifestyle choices affect gene expression through epigenetic modifications. This includes studying how certain chemical changes to the DNA or histones can activate or deactivate genes without changing the DNA sequence itself.

Gene therapy and editing: With a comprehensive understanding of the genome, researchers can develop more effective gene therapies and utilize technologies like CRISPR for gene editing to correct genetic disorders or treat diseases at a molecular level.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international scientific research initiative aimed at mapping and understanding all the genes of the human species. Completed in 2003, it provided a nearly complete sequence of the human genome, which consists of over 3 billion DNA base pairs. This monumental achievement has laid the groundwork for advances in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology, enabling researchers to explore gene functions and their implications for health and disease.

Post-Genome Research

After the completion of the Human Genome Project, genetic researchers shifted focus to post-genomic research, which involves understanding the functional aspects of the genome. This includes studying gene expression, regulation, and interactions, as well as the role of non-coding DNA. Researchers are also investigating how genetic variations contribute to diseases, which is crucial for developing personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

Ethical Considerations in Genetics

As genetic research advances, ethical considerations become increasingly important. Issues such as genetic privacy, discrimination, and the implications of gene editing technologies like CRISPR are at the forefront of discussions. Researchers must navigate these ethical challenges to ensure responsible use of genetic information and technology, balancing scientific progress with societal values and individual rights.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

A biochemist hopes to find a gene in human cells that codes for an important blood-clotting protein. She knows that the nucleotide sequence of a small part of the blood-clotting gene is CTGGACTGACA. Briefly outline a possible method she might use to isolate the desired gene.

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Textbook Question

A biologist isolated a gene from a human cell, inserted it into a plasmid, and inserted the plasmid into a bacterium. The bacterium made a new protein, but it was nothing like the protein normally produced in a human cell. Why? (Explain your answer.)

a. The bacterium had undergone transformation.

b. The gene did not have sticky ends.

c. The human gene contained introns.

d. The gene was not synthesized from scratch.

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Textbook Question

Explain how you might engineer E. coli to produce human growth hormone (HGH) using the following: E. coli containing a plasmid, DNA carrying the gene for HGH, DNA ligase, a restriction enzyme, equipment for manipulating and growing bacteria, a method for extracting and purifying the hormone, and an appropriate DNA probe. (Assume that the human HGH gene lacks introns.)

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Textbook Question

Today, it is fairly easy to make transgenic plants and animals. What are some important safety and ethical issues raised by this use of recombinant DNA technology? What are some of the possible dangers of introducing genetically engineered organisms into the environment? What are some reasons for and against leaving decisions in these areas to scientists? To business owners and executives? What are some reasons for and against more public involvement? How might these decisions affect you? How do you think these decisions should be made?

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Textbook Question

In the not-too-distant future, gene therapy may be an option for the treatment and cure of some inherited disorders. What do you think are the most serious ethical issues that must be dealt with before human gene therapy is used on a large scale? Why do you think these issues are important?

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Textbook Question

The possibility of extensive genetic testing raises questions about how personal genetic information should be used. For example, should employers or potential employers have access to such information?

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