Genome Mapping The Human Genome Project has been one of the most influential studies of our generation. Not only has it left us with a better picture of the human genome in general, but it has also given us valuable information about countless specific genes and what they are responsible for. Some of these genes code for rather humble characteristics, while others can cause life-threatening diseases. Genome mapping allows the sequencing of an individual genome to aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is an essential material found in almost all living organisms and serves as a carrier of genetic information for an individual, coding for every characteristic imaginable. All humans have the same genes, but different variations of these genes make up an individual's genome. These different variations allow some people to be susceptible to certain diseases or disorders while others are not. So, to map a genome, you first need to extract the DNA. There are a few methods for doing this, but they are all relatively similar. Newton describes this process by saying that, first, the patient's cells are acquired from saliva, blood, skin samples, hair, etc. Next, the cells (cell membrane) are opened using chemicals, physical methods, or even sonication (application of energy via sound). Various detergents and other chemical compounds are then added to separate and purify the DNA from the rest of the cell (Newton, 2009, p. 5). The end result is a purified sample of the individual's DNA, which can then be analyzed accurately. There are several effective methods for sequencing DNA. In general, you need to find the specific combination of nucleotides on the DNA strand which in turn reveals the... center of the card... hymn. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=UPI-1-20100615- 163922-bc-canada-sequencing&SingleRecord=TrueNew genetic sequencing method developed. In Science online. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=UPI-20080915- 14145200&SingleRecord=TrueIBM is developing a nanoscale DNA sequencer. In Science online. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=UPI-1-20091006- 141559-bc-us-sequencer&SingleRecord=TrueKobilinsky, L., Levine, L. & Margolis-Nunno, H. DNA: sources and structure of the evidence. In Science online. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?Regulatory areas of the human genome are mapped. In Science online. Retrieved from http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=UPI-1-20100203- 150230-bv-us-genomemap&SingleRecord=True