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| Vol. 22, No. 22 |
| December 1, 2000 |
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Exhibit Offers Insight into Wonders of DNA By RONDA WENDLER Texas Medical Center News
This summer, when scientists announced the completion of a rough draft of the human genome, their news was met with mixed reactions from the public. On one hand, cracking the human body's genetic code promised possibilities that had, until now, been out of reach, such as the detection, treatment, and prevention of many genetically based diseases. On the other hand, ethical concerns abounded, centering around the right to privacy and potential denial of employment and insurance coverage. People traditionally have been afraid of scientists tampering with human genes, and of the discrimination that might ensue if a genetic defect is found, said Dr. George Weinstock, co-director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine, and adjunct professor in Baylor's Department of Human and Molecular Genetics. "Many of their concerns can be put to rest with a more thorough understanding of the project," Dr. Weinstock stated. "Scientists have a responsibility to communicate their findings to the public, and to ensure that these finding are used properly." To inform the public about the Human Genome Project, the landmark project that will soon provide researchers with a genetic blueprint of the human body, and to help the public become more comfortable and less fearful of its implications, Baylor's Human Genome Sequencing Center and the Museum of Health & Medical Science developed an exhibit titled "The Global Genome" which premiered Nov. 16. Located in the museum's George and Barbara Bush Grand Hall, the exhibit provides visitors with an understanding of the science behind the human genome project and the significance of knowing the human genetic code. "We are delighted to sponsor the production of this exhibit," said Dr. Richard Gibbs, Wofford Cain professor in Baylor's Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and director of the college's Human Genome Sequencing Center. "The Human Genome Project has such great potential to improve the quality of human life. Although the draft of the human genome sequence is now complete, there is still much work to be done. It's crucial that people realize the complexity of this endeavor and the nature of long-term scientific research programs." The Human Genome Project began in 1990 with an initial plan by the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Energy, which estimated that unraveling the human genetic code would take 15 years. This timeline puts the project slightly ahead of schedule. The next step calls for scientists to "fine-tune" the working draft that was completed this summer, and produce a final complete map in 2003. Baylor is among three U.S. sites selected by the NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute to conduct the final phase of this historic project. The human genome is the collective name for the 100,000 genes in each cell of the human body. The genes are located along 23 chromosome pairs that are included in each cell. In each chromosome pair, the father contributes one chromosome and the mother contributes the other to make a complete set, with a total of 23 sets. This mix forms a one-of-a-kind genetic identify in each human being, with the exception of identical twins. The genes, which "ride" along the chromosomes, "tell" each cell how to function and how to reproduce. These instructions are encoded in a "language" called deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, structured as a double-helix ladder. DNA is made up of four chemical bases - adenosine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G). When these bases are strung together, they direct the building of a protein. Proteins help cells perform their functions. The goals of the Human Genome Project are to identify the location and function of all of the genes and determine the order or "sequence" of the bases, thereby cracking the code to the cell's genetic instructions. Communicating this complex information to the lay public must be done in a user-friendly fashion, free of science jargon, said Cindy Bandemer, director of the museum's education and programs. The museum is the perfect sight for accomplishing this mission, she said "Baylor and the museum both are committed to helping the public understand basic genetics and the importance of human genetics research. Our goal is to help people become educated and aware citizens who can participate responsibly in the public dialog about the uses and implications of genomic information," she stated. The exhibit consists of five 12-foot tall interactive kiosk displays. Each display is connected to a world globe suspended above the center of the display area, symbolizing the global nature, significance and implications of the Human Genome Project. Each kiosk has a theme that is explored through interactive activities, graphic panels, a lively cartoon called "Riley Ribosome," and a timeline of key genetic developments. Kiosk 1 provides a definition of the human genome, and includes interactive exhibits that let users compare the genomes of different organisms, see where genes are located inside the body, and listen to voices of scientists who made key discoveries about genetics, including Dr. James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. Kiosk 2 addresses genetic variations that result in our individual uniqueness and in genetically based conditions such as sickle cell anemia and Down syndrome. Kiosk 3 explains the Human Genome Project and offers a glimpse inside Baylor's Human Genome Sequencing Laboratory. Participants may try their hands at the sequencing process. Kiosk 4 highlights new genomic-based sciences like proteomics, bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics and robotics. The role of animal research is addressed, and examples of how genetically based medical care already has improved our lives are offered. Kiosk 5 travels into the future, and predicts future directions of health and medicine as a result of the genome project. The "Wheel of Fortune" proposes hypothetical "decisions" society might make in the future and suggests implications of each. n For more information, contact the Museum of Health and Medical Sciences at 713-521-1515.
©2006 Texas Medical Center E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/12_01_00/page_01.html |
