information produced by it become a beneficial asset or a moral evil? For example, X chromosome markers can be used to identify ethnicity. A seemingly harmless collection of information from the Human Genome Project. But let's assume this information is used to explore ways to deny entry into countries, determine social class, or who gets preferential treatment. Whether or not this type of treatment is acceptable to a moral society remains to be seen.

The major events of genetic history are important to understanding the Human Genome Project. Genetics is the study of the patterns of inheritance of specific traits. The basic beginnings of genetic history lay in the ancient techniques of selective breeding to yield special characteristics in later generations. This was and still is a form of genetic manipulation by "employing appropriate selection for physical and behavioral traits"(Gert, 93).

Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, completed experiments on garden peas so as to establish the quantitative discipline of genetics. Mendel's work explained that the inheritance of traits can be stated by factors passed from one generation to the next; a

The next major events of genetic history involved the discovery DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA, as a part of genes, was discovered to be a ouble helix that encodes the blueprints for all living things. DNA was found to be packed into chromosomes, of which 23 pairs existed in each cell of the human body. Furthermore, one chromosome of each pair is donated from each parent. DNA was also found to be made of nucleotide chains consisting of four bases, commonly represented by A, C, T, and G. Any ordered pair of bases makes a sequence. Sequences are the instructions that produce molecules and proteins for cellular structure and biochemical functions. In relation, a

That is exactly what the ELSI branch of the Human Genome Project is all about. The US Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have devoted 3% to 5% of their annual Human Genome Program budgets toward studying the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) surrounding availability of genetic information (Murphy, 4) This represents the world's biggest bio-ethics program, which has become a model for ELSI programs around the world.

medical community? Reproductive issues including informed consent for procedures, use of genetic information in decision making, and reproductive rights. Clinical issues including education of health service providers, patients, and the general public; and implementation of standards and quality control measures in testing procedures. Commercialization of products: issues include property rights (patents, copyrights, and trade secrets) and accessibility of data and materials. Conceptual and philosophical implications regarding human responsibility, free will versus genetic determinism, and concepts of disease and health.

Our particular sociological structure is largely based on modern medicine. From this it is reasonable to assume that the Human Genome Project is largely accepted by the general populous. So it may be accepted, but is this acceptance propitious? Isn't there a point where the morality of mapping a persons entire physical and mental character becomes a violator of the personal privacy we all reserve the right to?

ELSI was established to develop not only answers but also raise questions about the Human Genome Project. ELSI's primary goal is to make clear and informative statements to the public about moral issues surrounding the Human Genome Project. They readi

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