‘10,000 GENOME’ PROJECT COMPLETED, SAYS GOVT.

Why in the news?

  • The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) officially declares the successful completion of the ‘10,000 genome’ project.
  • A significant initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive reference database of whole-genome sequences originating from India.

About Lead Institutions:

  •  The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) located in Bengaluru and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) situated in Hyderabad assumed leadership roles.
  • About 20 institutions from across India actively participated in the project.
What is Genome?

●   Genome: DNA’s structure discovered in 1953 by Watson and Crick.

●   Organism’s Blueprint: Complete genetic material directing development, growth, and functioning.

●   Human Complexity: 3 billion DNA base pairs shape the intricate double helix.

●   Genomic Impact: Revolutionizes biotech, medicine, and agriculture, providing insights into disease, drug development, and crop enhancement.

What is Genome sequencing?

●   Definition: Genome sequencing entails determining the sequence of DNA nucleotides (A, T, C, G) in an organism’s genome.

●   Process: It involves deciphering the order of adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, which compose an organism’s DNA structure.