Genome+Sequencing

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=Genome Sequencing=

When was genome sequencing started and by whom?
Between February and March 1, 1988 James Wyngaarden was in head of scientists who were on a mission to lay out the plan to crack the human genome. For the next year, the program was advised and in January 1989, the first official meeting was held. In October 1989 their committee was recognized as official and were named The Office for Human Genome Research with the first director James Watson.

"genome.gov | About NHGRI: A Brief History and Timeline." //genome.gov | National Human Genome Research Institute//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2009. <http://www.genome.gov/10001763

How is genome sequencing performed?
Chromosomes which are made up of millions of nitrogenous bases are broken down into fragments which are used as templates to bring forth other fragments with the difference of one base. They are then separated by gel electrophoresis. Special dyes allow four fragments to align in a single row in the gel. Then the gel identifies the last bases of the fragments creating the original bases for the fragments.AUtomated sequencers create a multi colored chromatogram after analayzing what is left. Once the bases are interpreted computers join them together and analyze for errors.

"Genome Sequencing." //Oak Ridge National Laboratory//. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2009. <http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources

What is helpful about genome sequencing?
Using the newly descovered information about the human genome scientists have been able to locate certain genes that cause diseases and have been able to create medicines to discontinue or prevent diseases and/or mutations.

"genome.gov | All About The Human Genome Project (HGP)." //genome.gov | National Human Genome Research Institute//. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2009. <http://www.genome.gov/10001772

What is harmful or controversial about genome sequencing?
Genome sequencing is performed by computers, which still, as far as society has come, aren't full proof. Some might argue that relying on technologies might lead to drastic mistakes if something were to go wrong. It would also be very time consuming to try and find the error and try and fix it. Another concern is long term effects of genome sequencing, and how far is too far when dealing with genes.

Illustrations and Videos Pertaining to Genome Sequencing
//Getting the Letters Out// a video on PBS explains the early beginnings of The Human Genome Project. Through this documentary we are able to understand the pain stacking process of identifying each base pair. We are also able to comprehend how technology has made Genome Sequencing much simpler and more efficient. <[]>



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