2009 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2009. 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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Do you think it's easier to identify Tay Sacs diease now that it is easier to read the Genetic code? SKU      Tom Markello, M.D., Ph.D.: I am a principle investigator in a protocol to treat pulmonary fibrosis in patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, and see other rare genetic disorders studied in NHGRI's Medical Genetics Branch. A little easier. But it is not completely possible to tell just from the genetic code whether a gene is not functioning or is OK. Basic medical testing of the gene product is still needed for 100% certainty. Creative and Performing Arts High School in PA (9th grade student)

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