To an ever-increasing degree, explanation in biology is reduced to art expression in the language of DNA sequences. At least, a necessary condition for the interpretation of many problems in evolution, genetics, virology, immunology teratology, or cancer is the elucidation of a message in the well-known ATGC alphabet. Furthermore, the power of biotechnology rests on manufacturing blueprints of the same ilk. To a degree " unprecedented in biological history, we can describe the agenda for much of the programmable research for several decades to come. It is undeniable that a full catalog of a human DNA sequence would be a great convenience in the solution of problems pertaining to particular segments. There isthen great merit in the prospect, and I would share the excitement of achievement in a host of steps toward that goal. In particular, we should certainly encourage investigators who seek to apply individual intelligence to that end. ...
The Genome Project Holds Promise, But We Must Look Before We Leap
To an ever-increasing degree, explanation in biology is reduced to art expression in the language of DNA sequences. At least, a necessary condition for the interpretation of many problems in evolution, genetics, virology, immunology teratology, or cancer is the elucidation of a message in the well-known ATGC alphabet. Furthermore, the power of biotechnology rests on manufacturing blueprints of the same ilk. To a degree " unprecedented in biological history, we can describe the agenda for much
Written byJoshua Lederberg
| 3 min read
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