questionss

1. Based on what we know about DNA, do you think it makes more sense for DNA to be genetic material versus RNA or protein? Why do you think alternative forms of DNA have been found by various researchers?

2. A person's genome is the sum of all the genes they possess. For many years, scientists estimated the number of human genes to be around 100,000. In the summer of 2000, scientists completed sequencing the 3.2-gigabase human genome. Researchers were surprised to find that humans only contain 25,000 genes. This represents about twice the number of genes in a fruit fly. Scientists also discovered that the majority of the human genome is repetitive DNA that does not code. What scientific and social implications does human genome mapping have for you? What purpose do you think this repetitive DNA serves?

3. Repetitive DNA sequences are important in criminal forensics where VNTR and STR profiles are distinguishing characteristics used to identify one individual in a population. What information would you use to support, or argue againstlaw enforcement requiring a DNA sample from individuals found guilty of a felony? Does your state have such a DNA database?