Genomics and Proteomics

Figure GENOMICS CONNECTION The Human Genome Project is an ambitious application of DNA technology – The Human Genome Project, started in 1990 and completed in 2003, involved Genetic and physical mapping of chromosomes, followed by DNA sequencing

Project Goals 1.identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA, 2.determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA, 3.store this information in databases, 4.improve tools for data analysis, 5.transfer related technologies to the private sector, and 6.address the ethical, legal, and social issues that may arise from the project. Although the project is finished, analysis of the data will continue for years to come.

The science of genomics compares whole genomes – The sequencing of many prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes Has produced data for genomics, the study of whole genomes Genomics

Besides being interesting themselves – Nonhuman genomes can be compared with the human genome Table 12.17

Proteomics The study of the full sets of proteins produced by organisms Biotechnology Explorer™ Protein Fingerprinting Instruction Manual

Biotechnology Explorer™ Protein Fingerprinting Instruction Manual

Techniques for manipulating DNA have potential for treating disease by altering an afflicted individual’s genes Is the alteration of an afflicted individual’s genes – Progress is slow, however – There are also ethical questions related to gene therapy Gene therapy may someday help treat a variety of diseases Figure Cloned gene (normal allele) 1 Insert normal gene into virus Viral nucleic acid Retrovirus 2 Infect bone marrow cell with virus 3 Viral DNA inserts into chromosome Bone marrow cell from patient Bone marrow 4 Inject cells into patient

Our new genetic knowledge will affect our lives in many ways The deciphering of the human genome, in particular, raises profound ethical issues – Many scientists have counseled that we must use the information wisely DNA technology raises important ethical questions Figure 12.21A-C

Genetic engineering involves some risks – Possible ecological damage from pollen transfer between GM and wild crops – Pollen from a transgenic variety of corn that contains a pesticide may stunt or kill monarch caterpillars Could GM organisms harm human health or the environment? Figure 12.20A, B