future challenges

The mapping of human chromosomes is possible to examine a person’s DNA and to identify genetic abnormalities. This is extremely useful in diagnosing diseases and to provide genetic counselling to those planning to have children. This kind of information would also create possibilities for new gene therapies. Besides providing clues to understand human biology, learning about non-human organisms, DNA sequences can lead to an understanding of their natural capabilities that can be applied towards solving challenges in healthcare, agriculture, energy production and environmental remediation.

A new era of molecular medicine, characterized by looking into the most fundamental causes of disease than treating the symptoms will be an important advantage. • Once genetic sequence becomes easier to determine, some people may attempt to use this information for profit or for political power. • Insurance companies may refuse to insure people at ‘genetic risk’ and this would save the companies the expense of future medical bills incurred by ‘less than perfect’ people. • Another fear is that attempts are being made to “breed out” certain genes of people from the human population in order to create a ‘perfect race’.

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a person’s genetic makeup. Molecular Genetics . Fragmenting DNA DNA is treated with restriction enzymes which cut the DNA into smaller fragments at specific sites.

. Separation of DNA by electrophoresis During electrophoresis in an agarose gel, the DNA fragments are separated into bands of different sizes. The bands of separated DNA are sieved out of the gel using a nylon membrane (treated with chemicals that allow for it to break the hydrogen bonds of DNA so there are single strands). .

Denaturing DNA The DNA on gels is denatured by using alkaline chemicals or by heating. . Blotting The DNA band pattern in the gel is transferred to a thin nylon membrane placed over the ‘size fractionated DNA strand’ by Southern blotting . from blood, hair, skin cells, or other genetic evidences left at the scene of a crime can be compared through VNTR patterns, with the DNA of a criminal suspect to determine guilt or innocence.

VNTR patterns are also useful in establishing the identity of a homicide victim, either from DNA found as evidence or from the body itself.