The Human Genome Project: Reason And Counter Argument

Introduction

Throughout the last century there have been many discoveries in biomedical science that have given us a clearer understanding of biology and human anatomy. However, I believe that out of all these great accomplishments the most significant discovery in the last 50 years in biomedical sciences is the completion of the human genome project (HGP). The project was set up on October 1st, 1990, led by James Watson and was completed in April 2003, two years before schedule. The aim of the team was to construct a sequence of genes to map out a blueprint that builds a human being, the human genome. (What is the human genome project?, 2018)

By accomplishing this a linkage map was produced, through these maps we can now observe inherited traits such as genetic diseases and can now be traced over generations. Also, with this research scientists are now able to establish the location and the sequence of the DNA and the size of it making it easier to diagnose patients which in turn means that we can produce better medication and more efficient treatment plans. (What is the human genome project?, 2018)

Reason

One of the main reasons that make the human genome project so significant is the impact and influence it has had on healthcare. For example, gene therapy has advanced since the HGP by introducing its latest host of DNA which has aided the techniques needed for gene transfer. However, the technique is not flawless as the body doesn’t tend to react positively, immune responses are launched against the new DNA. (Sivam, 2012)

Furthermore, the HGP has allowed us to discover genes that cause rarer conditions, improving our knowledge around these subjects. For example, there have been gene therapy trials for leber’s congenital amaurosis generating successful results. Although there are some technical difficulties surrounding the topic area thanks to the HGP aiding in the management of disease as genetic testing is now well accepted into clinical techniques showing that the influence it has is positive, (Sivam,2012). Furthermore figure 1 shows how clinical practise for genetic testing has become more established as you can see from the year 2014 compared to 2019 the ongoing trials have been nearly doubled and the new trials have been approximately tripled showing us although gene therapy is in its experimental phase it is looking very promising.

Counter Argument

However, although the human genome project sounds like a godsend for healthcare and biology, there is some problems that the project faces. For example, the HGP has introduced methods to create a ‘superhuman’, as traits of children can be chosen. To elaborate, we can use different types of genetic therapy such as the germline method allowing us to avoid the transmission of defective genes which are cause diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, meaning a better quality of life. However, a certain percentage of the population opposed to this idea stating that it is an expensive procedure meaning that the poorer society will still be affected by genetic disease and the rich wont creating more of a divide in society as people become less accepting of the differences. (Rigoli, 2019)

Although these arguments are credible I believe that letting someone being born with a genetic disease that will affect many aspects in their life is unfair, because it can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. However, with this treatment we are letting a person love their life to the max and it spares generations of families from genetic diseases. Finally, I believe as time goes on and research progresses gene therapy will become more accessible becoming more affordable and eventually free so everyone in society gets the same choice and have access to the same treatment. (Rigoli, 2019)

Summary

Overall, I believe that the HGP is the most significant discovery I science in the last 50 years because it has opened new and various pathways in healthcare and medicine, biology and computation, yet it is still something we are just beginning to explore. (Narcisse, 1998)