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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Why are mice used to research human genetic disease?
     Claire Anderson, B.A.: I am a first year genetic counseling graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Mice are used to research human genetic disease have numerous reasons. First of all, mice have about 90% of all human disease genes and the organization of their genomes is related to humans. Genetic manipulation of mice is also possible. Mice are also small in size and have a short life cycle and give birth to large litters. Mice used in laboratories are resistance to infection and there are numerous inbred strains available for research.
Palms Middle School in CA (7th grade student)

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