I'm sure you've wondered, being Bio fans, how we even have a graphical representation of all the chromosomes. Who was the genius behind it? When did it come about? How did we manage to map it out?
Well, years ago, in the nineteen hundreds, we had absolutely no idea or way to read the whole human genome. But of course, we humans, who can't stand not knowing anything, couldn't bear it. So in 1998, a group of Scientists started the Human Genome Project with a goal of eventually being able to read the entire human genome. However, the real discovery only came about when a vivacious Scientist, Craig Venter, founded a new company to read the human genome in only 4 years- almost half the predicted duration to catalogue the human genome.
Firstly, who is Venter and why was his claim so important?
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| Dr Craig Venter |
You see, Venter has made such threats before and unexpected as it is, has managed to deliver favorable results. In 1991, he found a quick way to locate human genes when it seemed impossible to many renowned scientists. In 1995, despite mocking by even the government, he mapped a complete bacterial genome using a new "shotgun" technique. Thus, it would be pretty foolish to bet against his call on this one either. The Human Genome Project was reorganized and refocused with Venter and a deadline to draft the genome roughly was set at June 2000.
JUNE 26 2000. A phenomenal date in the history of genetics. The extraordinary date when a species could read its own recipe, could answer the huge question: What makes me human? What is used in making me human? Essentially, we had a draft of the blueprint of our genome- the instructions of how to build a human.
Why do we even research so deep into human genetics?
Most of human genetic research is intended to aid in medical advancements- cures for inherited diseases, genetic mutations, understanding cancer genes and cancer-suppressing genes. etc. However, the value of knowing- really knowing- the human genes does not stop there.
The human genome is a puzzle- a cryptographic code of human life, history, customs and philosophy. In our world of rapidly expanding genetic research, there are astounding discoveries and mind boggling mysteries opened up to us everyday. The debate over genetics is spreading all over the world- controversies over genetic engineering, cloning and many more. However, all in all, genetic knowledge is a blessing. To be able to understand the molecular nature of carcinogenic cells, to diagnose and prevent Alzheimer's disease (which is carried in our genes), to uncover the deepest secrets of human history ingrained in our genes and to even reconstruct organs- those are extraordinary and would benefit mankind immensely! Of course, we have to take all of that with a pinch of salt as genetic knowledge could also lead to unfair health insurance premiums & new forms of biological warfare. But most problems are so far-fetched, you can't even see them so...
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| Blueprint of Human Life |
Buckle up and get ready for a bumpy, breathtaking ride of awesomesauce Bio!
Adios!
Love,
us
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