Scientists announced in 2000 that they had completed a rough map of the human genetic code.

It is humbling for me and awe inspiring to realize that we have caught the first glimpse of our own instruction book, previously known only to God.

—Dr Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, June 26, 2000

In a series of news conferences and ceremonies around the world, researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom and from two rival organizations announced together that they had read and mapped 97% of the human genome. The accomplishment was hailed as one of the most important events in human history because of the enormous potential it unlocked for the treatment of disease. The term gene was first used in 1909, and over the next 90 years, scientists slowly moved toward an understanding of how the genome is structured. In 1988, scientists at the publicly funded international Human Genome Project announced their intention to map the entire human genome. The private company Celera Genomics was also working on a genetic map, and the two rival groups had public disagreements over the patenting and public access of the genetic information. Spurred on by competition, the Human Genome Project and Celera Genomics both completed the genetic map sooner than planned. The two organizations published their findings together in 2001.

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In Extracting DNA (9–12), students are introduced to DNA, genes, chromosomes and the chemicals that make up DNA. They then do an experiment in which they separate out DNA from a blended concoction of peas and common household products.

Ethics and Reproductive Issues: The Dilemma of Choice (9–12) introduces students to the ethical implications of using our growing knowledge about the human genome to improve our personal and public health.

In the Science Update Proteome (6–12), Bob Hirshon talks with a scientist who is working on the next step in understanding the human genome—sequencing the proteome, a collection of all the proteins coded in our genes.

Students examine a fictional pedigree and determine which gene is responsible for a given trait in Gene Puzzles (6–8).

Students explore issues surrounding DNA microarray technology in DNA Chips (9–12).

Students research and write a feature article on the Human Genome Project and learn about the systematic study of the human genome in Cracking the Genetic Code (9–12).

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In Finding the Science Behind Science Fiction through Paired Readings (6–8), students explore the genre of science fiction, while using nonfiction texts and resources to learn more about the sciences, including genetics, that are integrated into the plot of the story.