2008 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2008. 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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Which chromosomes contain the most important genes to our development as a fetus?      Jennifer Sloan, M.S., Ph.D., C.G.C.: Involved in Genetic Counseling, as well as studying the very rare metabolic condition Methylmalonic Acidemia, and the more common condition Neurofibromatosis Type I. Great question! All of our chromosomes contain genes that are important in fetal development. Humans have 46 chromosomes total. Children born with parts of chromosomes missing often have birth defects. Rock Canyon High School in CO (10th grade student)

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