[sc20090424]

Ask the expert(1)
The Human Genome Project 人类基因组计划
Why unlocking the secrets of human DNA was only the beginning

SC: What is the Human Genome Project?

KS: The Human Genome Project was an effort by a number of organizations to identify all 20,000 to 25,000 human genes. The project also sought to store the information so that it would be available for research and medical purposes.

SC: How did they do it?

KS: Every cell in the human body contains DNA, which is made up of four smaller molecules or nucleotides. These nucleotids are labeled A,T,C,or G.
The goal of the project was to identify the order of the 3 billion nucleotides in human DNA. Since DNA is usually found in long chains, the first step was for scientists to break up the DNA into smaller pieces. These short DNA strands could then be separated from each other based on size.

Next, researchers identified the nucleotides in each piece of DNA. Then computer software reconstructed the way they fit together. Finally the information was stored in databases that are available to anyone.


Word bank

identify (v)
The police are using a videotape to identify the rabbers.

strand(n)
Oh,no! There is a strand of yarn in my soup!

reconstruct(v)
People are trying to reconstruct their homes after the terrible typhoon.

database(n)
Gerald is hoping to create a database with all our sales information.