The genome's out of the bottle

By J.E. Warren
Contributing Writer

That humanity has arrived at the dawn of a new age seems to be the general consensus among scientists, philosophers, politicians and — not least of all — the media.

Student Joe Cooper examines samples of bacteria in a North Lake College microbiology lab. Consult your course catalogue to learn more about getting involved in the biological sciences.
Photo by Matt Vest

"It is humbling for me and awe-inspiring," said Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, "to realize that we have caught the first glimpse of our own instruction book, previously known only to God...Historians will consider this a turning point."

His words were spoken at a conference held at the White House last last June, attended by ambassadors, scientists and other distinguished guests from all over the world. He was speaking, of course, about the completion of the first draft of the entire Human Genome Project — what President Clinton called "...the most important, most wondrous map ever produced by humankind."

No one is arguing with him.

The Human Genome Project is a worldwide effort in molecular biology to determine the sequence of all the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in humans. Both public and private institutions are funding the endeavor.

DNA carries genetic information in cells and has the ability to self-replicate, thereby enabling the transmission of genetic information from cell to cell.

On a larger scale, it passes hereditary traits from parents to children. This may allow a child to have his father's eyes; however, on the downside it might allow a hereditary heart condition or other disease to be passed along.

Understanding the organization and operation of our DNA will allow for unprecedented advances in science and medicine, giving doctors the ability to treat diseases at their genetic roots.

Scientists like Craig Venter, president and chief scientific officer of Celera Genomics Corporation and one of the greatest contributors to the genome effort, say it's feasible that within our lifetimes we could reduce the number of cancer deaths to zero.

That's not a typo. That's how big this is. North Lake College biology instructor, Henry Su, shares in Venter's highly educated optimism.

"I'm excited about the future of mankind, and all the new technologies that are bound to emerge from the discoveries we're making now," he said. "In my mind, the possibilities are limitless."

Those possibilities can lead North Lake students into meaningful, as well as lucrative careers.

A cancer-free world cannot happen without continued support from future scientists and doctors. Even the philosophers and politicians will be necessary. They will be responsible for working to make sure that new technologies are used ethically and for the benefit of all people, rather than a select few.

Today's students will be taking care of tomorrow's world.

A welcome message from Dr. Bob Agnew, dean, math/natural science/sport sciences division: 

Do you really have to worry about genetically modified fruit? Do you ever wonder what humans and chimpanzees may have in common? Is there hope for dealing with antibiotic resistant bacteria? A fully catalogued human genome...what is it and what does it mean to me?

If these or similar questions have been part of your late night chats and you're seeking some answers, try our biology courses for science or non-science majors.

We have answers for you!