2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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How are blood platelets formed, and how can you increase your # of blood platelets?
     David Bodine, M.D., Ph.D.: I investigate the genetics of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (PHSCs) to improve the effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation and to find better ways to use these unique cells for gene replacement therapy. The platelets in your blood all come from cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes are really cool!. These are cells that replicate their DNA many times but do not divide. They end up with 16 or 32 sets of chromosomes. Once they get to this point, they "shed" thousands of little platelets with no nucleus. These leave the marrow and co into the circulation, looking for places where your vascular system is injured.
Blackman High School in TN (10th grade student)

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