The Continuity of Life: Genetics and Evolution People and Science
The Human Genome Project was set up during the 1990s to map all 20,500 (approx.) human genes. The project was completed in 2003. The data collected opened up many avenues for further research across the sciences, as well as informing advances in biotechnology.
Fig. 4.4.3 Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute
Cloning
Genetically identical individuals are called clones. Cloning can happen in nature. For example, some twins are genetically identical.
Whereas genetic engineering produces altered forms of a gene, cloning produces exact copies of genes. Cloning can also produce exact copies of animals and plants.
In 1996, Dolly the sheep became the world’s first deliberately cloned animal – identical in every way to the sheep whose tissue cells were used in the cloning process. Dolly was euthanised in 2003 because of arthritis and lung disease.
The easiest way to clone a plant is by taking a cutting. We will learn more about this method when we look at how plants reproduce.
DNA and the future
To understand how genetic engineering can serve society in a responsible way, we must get information and data from reliable sources.
Prepare a short report outlining the ethical issues surrounding each of the following:
z GM foods z Cloning z Centralised DNA databases
Carry out your research using trustworthy sources. Fig. 4.4.5 Dolly the sheep 77 Fig. 4.4.4 Identical twins
Fig. 4.4.3 Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute
