It is quite apparent that the futuristic technique of genome sequencing could radically transform the lives of humans. However it has its own limitations as well. Enumerate the challenges and limitations associated with it.
It is quite apparent that the futuristic technique of genome sequencing could radically transform the lives of humans. However it has its own limitations as well. Enumerate the challenges and limitations associated with it.
Genome Sequencing:
- It is the process of determining the entirety, or nearly the entirety, of the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome at a single time.
- India is venturing in this technique. The much hoped Genome India Project is a case in point.
Possible benefits
- Medical benefits: Targeted drug delivery, precision as well as personalised medicine, prevention of genetic diseases etc
- Agricultural benefits: reduced fertilizers, pesticides usage, reduction in susceptibility of plants to diseases.
- Aquaculture benefits: raising of disease free as well as productive marine organisms like fishes
- Microbial benefits: genetically modified microbes for industrial enzymes productions
- Other benefits: forensics utility and parental testing
Limitations of Genome Sequencing:
Technical Limitations:
- Mutations in the genome cannot be controlled
- Structural variants in the genome cannot be fully determined (hence the technique could be inaccurate at times)
- Epigenetic changes (changes due to environmental factors) which might occur in the genomes cannot be prevented
- Issues associated with gene-gene interactions can’t tackled by this technique
- Low quality DNA samples could mar the results
Other Limitations:
- Safeguarding the medical privacy would become a nightmare
- It could be erroneously used by the governments to promote discrimination
- The cost factor could accentuate the problem further
Way Forward:
Judging by its benefits, the genome sequencing technique could obviously become inevitable for human development. The scientists and administrators cutting across the national boundaries should work tandemly for its best possible outcomes.
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