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GS 3 || Science & Technology || Biotechnology || Human Genome & DNA

Why in the news?

The Union Govt. has given clearance to an ambitious gene mapping project, estimated to be worth Rs 238 crore. Ambitious gene-mapping project, called Genome India Project.

Genome India Project:

The Genome India Project, a collaboration of 20 institutions including the Indian Institute of Science and some IITs, will enable new efficiencies in medicine, agriculture and the life sciences.

Its aim is to ultimately build a grid of the Indian “reference genome”, to fully understand the type and nature of diseases and traits that comprise the diverse Indian population.

The Genome India Project is inspired by the Human Genome Project (HGP 1990-2003) – an international programme that led to the decoding of the entire human genome.

HGP has a major diversity problem as most genomes (over 95%) mapped under HGP have been sourced from urban middle-class white people. Thus, HGP should not really be seen as representative of the human genome.

Understanding genome:

A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain that organism. In humans, a copy of the entire genome—more than 3 billion DNA base pairs—is contained in all cells that have a nucleus.

The instructions in our genome are made up of DNA.

Within DNA is a unique chemical code that guides our growth, development and health.

Significance of the GIP:

The Genome India Project, a collaboration of 20 institutions including the Indian Institute of Science and some IITs, will enable new efficiencies in medicine, agriculture and the life sciences.

Its aim is to ultimately build a grid of the Indian “reference genome”, to fully understand the type and nature of diseases and traits that comprise the diverse Indian population.

The Genome India Project is inspired by the Human Genome Project (HGP 1990-2003) – an international programme that led to the decoding of the entire human genome.

HGP has a major diversity problem as most genomes (over 95%) mapped under HGP have been sourced from urban middle-class white people. Thus, HGP should not really be seen as representative of the human genome.

What is genome sequencing?

A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of science focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes.

DNA coding and gene sequencing is specific in every individual

Genomics also involves the sequencing and analysis of genomes through uses of high throughput DNA sequencing.

Advances in genomics have triggered a revolution in discovery based research and systems biology to facilitate understanding of even the most complex biological systems such as the brain.

Need of genome sequencing:

Mapping the diversity of India’s genetic pool will lay the bedrock of personalized medicine and put it on the global map.

Considering the diversity of population in our country, and the disease burden of complex disorders, including diabetes, mental health, etc., once we have a genetic basis, it may be possible to take action before the onset of a disease.

More over India will become more capable to fight from diseases and it will help India in making safe place for all to survive

Benefits of GIP:

Precision Healthcare : It targets health care, personalize health care can be given to individual, diseases can be easily predicted, treatment can be changed understanding the genome of an individual

: It targets health care, personalize health care can be given to individual, diseases can be easily predicted, treatment can be changed understanding the genome of an individual Sustainable Agriculture: agriculture will also be benefited if we understand the coding and sequencing of the plant, activity of plant towards pests, according to the behavior of plants and crops more advance method of cropping and pests can be used for better and healthy production

agriculture will also be benefited if we understand the coding and sequencing of the plant, activity of plant towards pests, according to the behavior of plants and crops more advance method of cropping and pests can be used for better and healthy production International Cooperation: Not only in India but at global level it is very big projects

Challenges of GIP:

Fear of Scientific Racism : difference on basis of skin color and groupism and favoritism is also a big challenge

: difference on basis of skin color and groupism and favoritism is also a big challenge Data & Storage: safe storage of data is also a big challenge, cyber security of the data GIP should be kept with security so data don’t get hacked and misused. Data protection bill is still not introduced in India

safe storage of data is also a big challenge, cyber security of the data GIP should be kept with security so data don’t get hacked and misused. Data protection bill is still not introduced in India Medical Ethics: Main aim of the project that we have to database of genetic information, it is also bigger challenge that doctors in private hospital and private clinics can start doing gene modification, selective breeding (Eugenics) has always been in controversy

More Power to India in Medical and research:

The Genome India Project provides an opportunity for India to make leap and bound progress in the fields of biotechnology, agriculture and healthcare. Thus, it should be carried with maximum speed and maximum caution.

The first stage of the project will look at samples of 10,000 persons from all over the country to form a grid that will enable the development of a reference genome.

The Centre for Brain Research, which is an autonomous institute in the IISc, Bengaluru, will serve as the nodal point of the project.

The diverse genetic pool of India will be mapped and it will help in making personalized medicine.

Today, the goal of personalized medicine is to utilize information about a person’s genes, including his or her nucleotide sequence, to make drugs better and safer.

Mains oriented question:

What is the genome India project? How GIP provides an opportunity for India to take some more steps towards progress in the field of biotechnology, agriculture and healthcare. Discuss. (250 words)