Download The Human Genome Project: Science At Its Best

The Human Genome Project: Science At Its Best
The Human Genome Project involves thousands of scientists in a huge cooperative effort.
The goal is to determine the sequence of the four chemical groups called bases in all of
the strands of DNA contained in the chromosomes of every human cell. This sequence of
bases contains the codes for all of the estimated 100,000 human genes. The genes, in
turn, determine all of the information that is passed on by inheritance during
reproduction.
Although expensive and time-consuming, sequencing all of the human genes is definitely
a worthwhile scientific project for the government to support. Once all of DNA has been
sequenced it should be possible to find the genes responsible for all inherited human traits
including numerous serious genetic diseases. Already we have found the genes
responsible for causing several diseases including Huntington's disease and cystic
fibrosis. People will be able to undergo genetic screening tests to determine all of their
genetic diseases, and in cases of recessive genes a married couple will know which
diseases they may pass on to their children. Knowing the genetic cause of a disease may
make it easier to find a treatment or a cure. In cases, like heart disease, diabetes and
certain types of cancer genes may not cause a disease but may make a person prone to get
the disease under certain environmental conditions. In such cases those who know they
have such genes may be able to take actions to reduce the chance of getting the disease.
Eventually we may even learn how to cure genetic disease by gene therapy to correct or
replace the defective gene. By treating or preventing genetic diseases, billions of dollars
of medical costs could be saved each year.
There are many other valuable uses that can be made of the information from the Human
Genome Project. A government data bank could be set up containing every person's
cpmplete genetic code. This would make it easier to identify criminals and trace missing
persons. Insurance companies could use the information to refuse insurance or charge
high rates to a person with a high risk genetic make-up. Prospective parents might be able
to use genetic information to select specific traits that they want in their children.
Ultimately genetic informatiom might even be used to help perfect the human race.
The Human Genome Project: Super Science Or Super problem?
The Human Genome Project involves thousands of scientists in a huge cooperative effort.
The goal is to determine the sequence of the four chemical groups called bases in all of
the strands of DNA contained in the chromosomes of every human cell. This sequence of
bases contains the codes for all of the estimated 100,000 human genes. The genes, in
turn, determine all of the information that is passed on by inheritance during
reproduction.
This expensive and time-consuming project was begun after much heated controversy.
Opponents pointed out that the huge government research investment (many billions of
dollars over at least ten years) would mean that hundreds of other worthwhile scientific
projects could not be supported. Furthermore it can be argued that much of that money
will be used to determine the sequence in parts of human DNA that does not contain any
genes and is often referred to as junk DNA.
Although scientists hope that the genetic information can be used to cure diseases and
save lives, it is not clear how likely this is. For example, although we have known the
precise gene that causes Huntington's disease for several years we are no closer to finding
a cure or even a treatment for this deadly condition. While it is true that a genetic test is
available that enables a person to know early in life whether he or she will get this
disease at about age forty, it is not clear that an individual is better off living with the
knowledge that he or she is doomed.
The government and insurance companies may be anxious to gain access to each of our
specific genetic codes, but is this a good thing? Shouldn't we worry that such information
could be used to restrict our civil liberties? Do we want insurance companies to be able to
deny medical insurance to exactly those people who may need it the most? Do we have
any way of assuring that the potential beneficial uses of the genome information, paid for
by everyone's tax dollars, will be as available to the poor as to the rich?
Earlier in this century the eugenics movement gained popularity. Many people who were
thought to have "bad genes" were sterilized so they couldn't have children. The use of
such measures by Nazi Germany gave eugenics movement a bad name. But now we once
again are hearing talk about how the Human Genome Project will provide the needed
information for a much more scientific effort to improve the human race. Is this any more
ethically acceptable than a less scientific eugenics program?