Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes: Keyword Hot Links for chapter 12

Genomic sequencing has already been completed or is nearing completion for 20 eukaryotic genomes, including the human genome, and 65 prokaryotic genomes—not to mention the genomes of organelles of numerous species as well as numerous viruses, bacteriophage, and plasmids. An extensive list of genome sequencing projects is maintained at this keyword site. It is useful to have a biological dictionary or encyclopedia close at hand because the organisms are listed according to their official binomial Latin names, for example, Oryza sativa, rather than their common names, in this case rice.

The use of human gene therapy has been controversial owing to several well-publicized failures, but recent experience has been more promising. One example is in the treatment of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease at Hospital Necker in Paris. This disease is caused by a mutation in a cytokine receptor that blocks the development of T cells and NK (natural killer) lymphocytes. Because affected boys lack a functional immune system, they usually die from infections such as such as chicken pox or pneumonia before two years of age. In this case, bone-marrow transplants were performed with two patient using their own cells that had been transformed with the wildtype X-linked gene. After recovery, T-cell and NK-cell counts were comparable to those of normal children. At this keyword site you can learn more about this and other examples of human gene therapy

What are the social implications of advances in genomics? Some groups are worried because the application of genetic technologies poses ethical and legal issues of the foreknowledge of one's health, as well as issues of genetic privacy and insurability. Others are optimistic that the technologies will yield great benefits for medicine and society. This keyword site is devoted to the exploration of ethical, legal, and social issues related to sequencing the human genome, to the stimulation of public discussion, and to the formulation of public policies to prevent misuse of genetic information.

The debate over the growing and marketing of genetically engineered crops has been fierce, especially in Europe. Opponents call them Frankenstein's plants. They argue that it is foolhardy to plant millions of acres of novel crop plants and let their products enter the food supply without evaluating the possible long-term effects on human health and the environment. Proponents argue that the maintenance of an affordable food supply depends on the increased productivity expected from genetically modified plants. This keyword site provides a balanced discussion of the issues and points out that, while the debate continues, in the United States genetically modified crops already constitute a large portion of the food supply.