What is the Human Genome Project?

Modern geneticists believe that a gene is the general name of a specific nucleotide sequence with genetic effect on DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules, and it is a DNA molecular fragment with genetic effect. Genes are located on chromosomes and arranged linearly on chromosomes. Genes can not only transmit genetic information to the next generation through replication, but also express genetic information. The differences in hair, skin color, eyes and nose among different races are caused by genetic differences.

Humans have only one genome, with about 5000-65438+ 10,000 genes. The human genome project was first proposed by American scientists in 1985. It aims to clarify the sequence of 3 billion base pairs in the human genome, find all human genes and their positions on chromosomes, decipher all human genetic information, and make human beings fully understand themselves at the molecular level for the first time. The project was officially launched on 1990. The goal of this $3 billion project is to accurately sequence the human genome consisting of 3 billion base pairs, so as to finally understand the protein of each gene and its role. For example, this process is like drawing a road map from Beijing to Shanghai on foot, marking every peak and trough along the way. Although slow, it is very accurate.

With the gradual decoding of the human genome, a picture of life will be drawn, and people's lives will undergo tremendous changes. Gene drugs have entered people's lives, and it is no longer an extravagant hope to treat more diseases with genes. Because as our understanding of human beings reaches a new level, the causes of many diseases will be uncovered, drugs will be better designed, treatment programs will be able to "suit the right medicine", life and eating habits may be adjusted according to genetic conditions, the overall health level of human beings will be improved, and the medical foundation for 2 1 century will be laid.

Using genes, people can improve the varieties of fruits and vegetables, improve the quality of crops, more transgenic plants, animals and foods will come out, and human beings may cultivate super crops in the new century. By controlling the biochemical characteristics of human body, human beings will be able to restore or repair the functions of human cells and organs, and even change the evolution process of human beings.

What did the Human Genome Project bring?

Since the birth of human society, human beings have never stopped thinking about themselves. In the process of exploring and understanding the world, human beings are constantly improving their understanding of themselves. The discovery of ancient medicine, the establishment of modern genetics theory and evolution theory have laid a solid foundation for human beings to know themselves more completely. With the great success of mankind in other fields of science and technology, the research of life science is getting deeper and deeper into the fundamental mystery of life.

Human genetic information is stored in DNA molecules in the form of nucleotide sequences, and they occupy a certain position on chromosomes as functional units to form genes. Genome is the carrier of cell genetic information-the sum of ——DNA. Different regions in the genome have different functions, some are structural genes encoding protein, some are regulatory signals of replication and transcription, and the functions of some regions are still unclear. Genome structure refers to the distribution of different functional regions in the whole DNA molecule. The human genome contains all genetic information that determines human life, aging and death, as well as mental and behavioral activities. Therefore, clarifying the nucleotide sequence will undoubtedly provide the most direct help for human beings to finally and completely solve the mystery of genes.

1986, the famous biologist and Nobel Prize winner Lei Natuo Durbeck put forward the "Human Genome Project" (HGP for short) for the first time in Science magazine. 1990 10 the us government decided to officially launch the "human genome project" with a capital of 3 billion us dollars. It is estimated that by 2005, the whole gene sequence of human body will be obtained (* * * about 3 billion base pairs); Then study the interaction and gene function, so as to uncover the mystery of all human genetic information and make human understanding of themselves reach a new height. The human genome project can be said to be the greatest century project for human beings to know themselves. The realization of this plan will have an endless impact on the health and life reproduction of all mankind. Imagine that after sequencing base pairs, scientists will analyze how bases make up genes and what functions various genes have. Understanding the location, structure and function of all genes will pave the way for human beings to overcome many difficult diseases.

After the launch of the Human Genome Project, Europe, Japan, the former Soviet Union, Brazil, India and China quickly followed suit and joined this significant research. China was registered in the International Human Genome on July 1999, and completed the task of sequencing a 30Mb region on the short arm of human chromosome 3. This region accounts for about 1% of the whole human genome, referred to as "1% project". This indicates that China has mastered the most advanced large fragment genome sequencing technology in the field of life science, and has been in a synchronous position with the developed countries in the world in the development and utilization of precious gene resources, and has occupied a place in the field of structural genomics.

So why is the "Human Genome Project" so attractive? Attracted so many countries and many biological scientists to participate in the research? In fact, the study of human genome is not only a scientific research, but also probably implies that it will be the biggest business opportunity in 2 1 century.

Gene is the source, growth point and commanding height of biopharmaceutical industry, and the technological expansion derived from gene will be the basis for pharmaceutical enterprises to develop new products in the 2 1 century. At present, the world's major pharmaceutical, chemical and agricultural companies are actively reorganizing, merging and establishing new alliances to strengthen their competitive strength through gene-related research and development. Although the investment required by the gene industry is very large, and the exploration work is very difficult (for example, it took ten years to isolate the cystic fibrosis gene, which cost more than 65.438+0.5 billion US dollars), once the gene that can encode an important functional protein is obtained, the return will be extremely rich-the discoverer can obtain the patent of the gene, the researcher can conduct relevant research and design relevant preventive drugs, and the pharmaceutical company can obtain huge monopoly profits in the market before the patent expires. It can be said that a gene can make an enterprise and even drive an industry. Therefore, for scientists, the "Human Genome Project" has brought them a great leap in their understanding of human beings and brought them hope to overcome diseases. For the government and enterprises that invest a lot of money to let scientists study the genome, what they see more is the market monopoly and huge profits brought by the successful research.

As a result, a "gene war" with no smoke but unusual relationship started early. There is fierce competition among the state, official research projects and private institutions. On May 24th this year, scientists who participated in the "Human Genome Project" on behalf of the government announced that the first "working draft" of human genetic code would be published on June 15. At the same time, American Sairila Gene Company also revealed that it will release its own "working sketch" in June. This means that the race to decipher human genetic code has entered the final sprint stage, and the mystery of all genetic information that determines human birth, illness, death and mental and behavioral activities will soon be revealed by human beings themselves, and huge business opportunities will begin to wave to investors in genome research.

The human genome project is considered as one of the greatest scientific explorations of human self-knowledge, and its significance even exceeds that of the Apollo moon landing program. We humans have begun to reveal the mystery hidden in ourselves, and our life and behavior will soon change because of it. It will bring a revolution in life, and at the same time it will impact human morality and ethics with unprecedented strength.

Humans who have mastered the mystery of their own genome will no longer be afraid of all kinds of discolored "cancers" in the past. We can change some inherent defects, and we can even stay young forever. However, we have to worry, because just like mastering nuclear capabilities, genes can bring us good news and terrible negative effects-recombinant genes can change the inherent characteristics of human beings.

During World War II, Hitler organized a large number of scientists to study how to "make" the best pure Aryans, but the science at that time did not have the ability to reach that step, but this idea is likely to be realized in 20 years. Not only can you copy someone, but you can also mass-produce "artificial people" designed according to customer needs and meeting data requirements like toys produced in factories!

Some time ago, the appearance of cloned organisms caused all kinds of worries and anxieties. If "artificial man"

It really appears, what should we do? Can our next generation become natural persons? Can our inherent ethics be applied to our future society?

The Origin and Development of "Human Genome Project" (I)

The epoch-making project of Human Genome Project was put forward by one person? No. The plan took five years to conceive. During these five years, in developed countries, from the top to the government, all people participated in this discussion and made the final decision. Scientists from various countries, first and foremost from the United States, have made many arguments. Scientists from different disciplines express their opinions, which fully embodies the equality of scientific discussion and the democracy of decision-making. Despite confusion, hesitation and repetition, in the end, mankind chose the "Human Genome Project". Historically, there are several ideas for the formation of the human genome project.

The "genetics" of human diseases in the 1970s is undoubtedly the main idea of the human genome project. Not only diseases are related to genes, but also human survival, birth and growth are related to genes and DNA sequences. As a famous Nobel Prize winner, Dubock of Italy wrote in his "tender" which was later called "Human Genome Project": Human DNA sequence is the true meaning of human beings. Everything that happens in this world is closely related to it. Strategically speaking, the strategy adopted by the human genome project is the strategy of genomics, just as genes are the science of studying genes. As the name implies, genomics is the science of studying the genome. As Dubock said: Since everyone knows the importance of genes, we have only two choices. One is "piecemeal", where everyone goes to "individual homework" to study their favorite and important genes. What's the other option? This is an unprecedented bold statement: to understand the whole human genome as a whole, first concentrate on understanding all human genes.

Because the human genome project is too ambitious, too large and too expensive, government departments, scientists and the public have many disapproving opinions. The first is the necessity of this plan. They think that spending taxpayers' 3 billion dollars on the human genome sequence is purely a joke with taxpayers' money! Secondly, the reality of this plan, they think it is "bragging" to complete this plan by 2005. To tell the truth, no one knows whether it can be finished on time. There were no signs of modern sequencing instruments at that time. The third is the choice of scientific research field, which is a bit like the imagination of "what must be done is impossible": there are many problems to be studied in human natural science, so why should we make such a plan? It may be more worthwhile and practical to spend money elsewhere. Some people worry that "big science" will affect small science and "big center" will endanger the survival of small laboratories. What I said is also ugly, such as criticizing the plan as "too extreme, too focused, too many goals and too big budget." All you get is a "parts list". For the specific projects of this plan, it is even more rude. For example, "mapping" means building roads in the desert, "sequencing" means sorting out "garbage", and choosing "model animals" means piecing together "Noah's Ark". Finally, it is considered that the new technology established by the Genome Project is to "pursue a luxurious and comfortable new space shuttle instead of Saturn rocket", because there are many other ways to isolate genes.

From 65438 to 0990, the United States just started the "Human Genome Project", and many scientists also signed a letter to express their opposition. As a result, the original budget was cut by $34 million, and it was originally planned to build nine centers, each of which spent $4 million a year. Only three were cut, and each center was only $2 million! One of the main criticisms is not planning the human genome, which is too much. We should start from a young age, such as bacteria, or something of great economic significance, such as wheat, pigs and sheep. They derided the Human Genome Project as a "giant with clay feet". It is also predicted that it will "abort" like the cancer project started in 75. The reason is reasonable and feasible. Truth is not afraid of argument, that's its persuasiveness. The "Human Genome Project" is reasonable, but the understanding of truth has its process, and the perfection of truth itself also has its process. The "Human Genome Project" is a plan that constantly absorbs correct opinions in criticism and gradually improves it to today. For example, at first it was just a rough "sequencing analysis plan". Where to start? Each has its own version. The "mapping plan", especially the construction of gene map, was originally put forward as a different opinion of the "sequencing plan", but neither side simply denied the other's opinion, nor did the relevant decision-making departments simply support the suppression of the other side. Finally, the two sides with different opinions came together and formulated a more scientific and comprehensive plan. The "cDNA Project" is a project to clarify a small part of the sequence of a gene related to protein, and it is also put forward as an objection to the "Whole Genome Project", but it has not been rejected by the mainstream opinion, nor has it been abandoned. Instead, it has been brought into the whole genome project as the prototype of "gene map" and has become an important part, that is, the "transcription map" we want to do. The "gene identification" plan was also put forward as a different opinion, arguing that the most important gene is the gene related to human diseases, and later it became the "hot spot" that best reflected the achievements of the "Human Genome Project". Yeast, nematodes, fruit flies and mice are selected as the four "model organisms" in the "model organisms" program, which is of great scientific significance. The whole discussion process gradually formed a part of "the spirit of the human genome project".

In addition to the "tolerance" mentioned above, the second is "sincere cooperation". The Human Genome Project is the first scientific research project in the world by all scientists, big or small, strong or weak. At the beginning of the implementation of the Human Genome Project, far-sighted scientists in developed countries called on governments around the world to attach importance to this project, and called on scientists from all over the world to participate in it, suggesting that all the progress, all the data and all the experimental resources should be made public at any time for all countries in the world to enjoy for free. In the process of implementation, scientists from all over the world sincerely cooperate, * * * enjoy materials, * * * enjoy data, and * * * tackle key problems together. This is unprecedented in the history of human natural science. Compared with two other projects with global significance, namely, the Manhattan Atomic Bomb Project and the Apollo Moon Landing Gene, the Human Genome Project shows the harmony and progress of mankind. The third is the spirit of "high responsibility" to society. At the beginning of the Human Genome Project, we paid attention to the possible impact of this project on society, law and ethics, paid special attention to this research, and formed a mainstream opinion. In particular, several important conclusions of HUGO (International Human Genome Organization) fully reflect the "seeking truth" and "seeking goodness" of modern natural science and a high sense of responsibility to society. We should celebrate this "human genome project spirit" and make it a model for cooperation among countries and fields.

The Origin and Development of "Human Genome Project" (Ⅲ)

Truth can only succeed, not fail, and can't let truth cry in the hands of those who claim to have it! Although the truth cried a thousand times. A plan, all indicators must be completed, otherwise it will be declared a failure, otherwise it will have been aborted. To discuss the goal of human genome genes, the draft is simple and easy to learn. Each part has a specific goal, which is accomplished qualitatively, quantitatively and regularly. Truth should be persuasive. Scientists have done a lot of work for the United States to pass and accept this plan, and they have to go to Congress to "lobby". Some people say that the "Human Genome Project" is the largest, most attended and most successful "lobbying" in American history! It's not easy to convince politicians! We should combine scientific significance with social significance and economic significance, combine practical interests with long-term interests, and compare various opinions and plans one by one. We should also do a good job through various relationships and channels. Comparing their work, we can say: If our decision makers in China don't pay attention to the "Human Genome Project", we scientists are also responsible! In addition to their own discussions, mainstream scientists have done a lot of work for the people, and later the American government has done a lot of work. The U.S. government can't have its own newspapers, radio stations and TV stations, so it has to print many pamphlets, some of which are simple, such as "How big is the human genome project?" How valuable is it? " .

There are also very popular ones, such as the booklet "Know Our Genes". Let everyone know the importance of genes, the necessity of human genome project, why it costs so much money and how well it is spent. What about scientists? They talked everywhere, spoke a common language, made genes vivid, and made the "Human Genome Project" easy to understand. Many statements in this article were learned from them. If you calculate 3 billion pairs of nucleotides, it is like calculating the surnames of 3 billion pairs of people on the whole earth (suppose there are only 4 surnames in the world! The human genome is as big as the earth, a chromosome is as big as a country, and a gene is as big as the building where we live. "Mapping" is like marking a road sign on the highway. The process of "Human Genome Project" being accepted by the public is indeed a scientific popularization process of genes among sociologists, ethicists, scientists and the public. There is also the problem of ethicists. This question is very complicated! The ultimate mystery of mankind revealed by the "Human Genome Project" is bound to have an impact on society, law and ethics.

Finally, people generally accepted the plan. First of all, after understanding the importance of genes, people have the desire to know themselves and genes. If there are no special external reasons, our genes will not change much after birth. However, we need to know: (1) the transmission law of our genes in our family, especially those related to "disease and non-disease", and take good care of our offspring. (2) To understand the reason of "being sick but not sick". The human genome project can persist today, thanks to the support of the people all over the world. Because this is a public welfare plan, it concerns thousands of families and future generations.