- Image by David_Keller via Flickr
A genome is basically a CD carrying case containing DNA code. When speaking of the human genome, this “case” contains 46 CDs. These “CDs” are, you guessed it, chromosomes. In humans, chromosomes are paired up. Each person has 22 sets of autosomal chromosomes along with an additional set of chromosomes which determines gender. The study of these chromosomes have captured the interest of scientists and geneticists for many years.
A person that is interested in genetics wants to define what makes us tick. They want to know why one group of people chooses to wear Michele watches while another group is comfortable slipping on less stylish timepieces. It all comes down to our inner workings, the foundation of our system. Our decision-making processes, our feelings and our actions are said to stem from a combination of our genetics and our experiences.
Researchers want to find the reason behind these actions, misguided and otherwise. Two individuals raised in the same household to the same biological parents, having had the same experiences in life will often make differing decisions when it comes to a choice presented mutually. There is a reason behind this and the answer lies within the human genome.
The human genome is an enigma begging to be solved. There tends to be controversy over this subject, though. The main point of the controversy is that if humans discover the exact code which uniquely lies in each of us, then we will begin to engineer humans that only meet a specific standard. This is why the human genome project has been under fire from numerous organizations across the world. If genetic engineering is allowed to take place within the human race, what is left to happen to those individuals who were not scientifically engineered? This issue raises questions on each side of the fence and will continue to do so for years to come.
