Whole genome sequencing is a technology that scientists can use to see every letter in the DNA sequence of a living organism. This process can read chromosomal DNA, the DNA found in the mitochondria, and in the chloroplast (for plants). There are many ways this is done, but one popular way is called Snager sequencing. This is done by chopping up pure DNA and appointing reference points for testing. Then synthetic pieces of DNA attach and copy the DNA sequence by finding complementary sequences. A camera then takes a picture and records every time the DNA copies. This process is finished once the whole genome had been sequenced.

Scientists can use any biological sample that has a full copy of the DNA in it, including seeds, plants leaves, hair follicles, saliva and bone marrow.

Great Advancements:

Before whole genome sequencing became automated, scientists used manual methods called Maxam-Gilbert sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The fist organism to be entirely sequenced was a bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae. Other bacterium were sequenced and published in 1995. Scientist first used these bacterium because of their small genome size. The whole DNA sequence of chromosone 22 in a human was sequenced in 1999. In 2001, scientist published the entire human genome sequenced.

Best Uses:

The best uses for whole genome sequencing are predicting and diagnosing mutated genes and diseases. Scientists can create an early treatment, which can allow a better chance of overcoming the disease. For example, cancer can be detected in the gene sequence, and the best treatment plan can be given.

Whole genome sequencing can also help scientists find out which unknown genes are causing diseases. In the old ways of gene sequencing, only the traditionally “trouble-maker” genes were looked at. Now, all genes are able to be looked at, making it easier to pin point the disease causing genes.

How it Will Change the World:

Whole genome sequencing will change the world in the future because it will allow doctors and scientists to make early predictions and diagnostics on patients and will allow them to prevent the disease. It will also allow scientists and doctors to find variants and help them find out which diseases can be passed on. Scientists predict that by the year 2019, all babies born will get their whole genome sequenced as a normal practice. One thing that needs to change for this to happen is the accessibility and the price.

There are some ethnical concerns that come along with whole genome sequencing. Scientists worry that genetic testing could cause genetic discrimination, as well as other things. Genetic discrimination is when people are treated differently for having a gene that could cause them a disorder or a mutation. It is the same as Darwin’s sexual selection, where animals and people choose the most attractive mate. But now, there is science to back up the idea, making discrimination easier.

Another concern with whole genome sequencing is that patients can find out stuff they do not want to know. For example, if looking for a gene contributing to diabetes, a gene that causes terminal illness may be found.

Overall, whole genome has changed advanced a lot in the past 40 years. Whole genome sequencing will change the medical world for the better. There are a few negatives, but the positives outweigh them.

 

Sources:
https://youtu.be/IXamRS85hXU
https://youtu.be/usTnQJhgAn0
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_genome_sequencing
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illumina_dye_sequencing
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanger_sequencing
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxam–Gilbert_sequencing
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_discrimination
http://www.illumina.com/techniques/sequencing/dna-sequencing/whole-genome-sequencing.html
http://knowgenetics.org/whole-genome-sequencing/