Q&A on human genome

The disclosure Monday of the human genome map, which is hoped to solve the mysteries of the human body, sent the scientific world into a state of excitement. Following is a primer on the human genome:

Q: What is the genome?

A: Genome is a compound of the word gene and the suffix -ome, which means mass. A genome contains the entire genetic code for an organism. Human cells number about 60 trillion. Every cell nucleus has 23 pairs of chromosomes, which contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the "codes" that contain all the genetic information about human beings. The sum total of these "codes" is called the human genome.

Q: What is the human genome project?

A: The human genome project (HGP) is an endeavor to find the secrets of human DNA, which has a double spiral structure in which the four chemical bases of adenin (A), tymin (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C) are arranged in rows. Each cell has approximately 3.2 billion pairs of chemical bases. HGP scientists worked to determine the order of these bases.

Q: What does the completion of the human genome mean?

A: It means that the arrangement of the 3.2 billion pairs of chemical bases is now known. The arrangement of the bases is important because various physiological phenomena and the procedures for disease-related protein generation are determined according to the arrangement of the chemical bases in DNA. Differences in the arrangement can increase the danger of contracting a disease.

Q: Was the human genome completely mapped?

A: Not quite. About 99 percent was completed. The HGP multinational research team plans to complete the human genome map by April 25, 2003, the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA.

Q: What will the focus of future research?

A: Prior research disclosed the structure of the genome so studies in the days ahead will focus on the role of the genome. The ultimate goal of research is to find ways to prevent and cure diseases by altering the genome.

Q: Whose DNA samples were used for the research?

A: HGP used the DNA of five to 10 people of difference racial backgrounds.

Q: What are the ethical implications of the discovery?

A: If all the secrets of DNA are uncovered, the manipulation of genetic codes becomes possible. For instance, if the genes determining skin and hair color are disclosed, it would become theoretically possible for parents to customize their children before they are born. A genetically perfect human may even be created. Many people have expressed fears of the dangers of using genetic research for purposes other than medical treatment.