Peeling Back in Time:
A Timeline of Genome Sequencing
​
1921:
Frederick Banting and Charles Best first extract the insulin from dog pancreas. The extract is purified to be used in humans, however, the process involves having a pancreas and does not produce insulin fast enough. T.1
​
Pictured to the right is the Banting's lab in which he first produced insulin. t.1
1950:
The banana, Gros Michel, was cloned for worldwide distribution. Afterwards, the Panama disease, which is caused by a fungus, swept through plantations in the Americas, nearly wiping out Gros Michel. The Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata) was found to have been resistant to this strain of Panama disease.
​
To the left are Panama-infected Gros Michel. t.2
1978:
City of Hope National Medical Center scientists genetically modify E. Coli bacteria to induce human insulin. Not only is this method faster and more efficient, there is less chance of rejection due to human DNA being used to produce insulin.
​
To the right is a sample of E. Coli bacterium. t.3
1980s’:
The discovery of Bacillius thurigiensis (Bt) led to use of Bt in pesticides, because of insect and pest vulnerability to Bt. However, it was found that insects and other pests were becoming resistant to Bt due to overuse. The overuse of Bt also had harmful effects on the environment, which led to
many scientists to begin extensive study on Bt and how insects developed a resistance to it.
1990:
The Human Genome Project was started in the United States. The goal was to sequence the entire human genome. It took 13 years and about 2.7 billion
dollars. The idea of sequencing the genome held promise in advancing diagnosis, improving medical equipment, and being able to compare the genome against other species.
2005:
A tutorial for the HapMap is released. A tool that employs information from the genome, it allows researchers to find gene variations, mainly for disease and disorders. This program opens up a new world for scientists; being able to locate certain genes easily lets scientists
determine risk factors for disease.
​
Pictured to the right is an example of the HapMap program running. t.7
2018:
​
The axolotl (Mexican Salamander) is known for its regenerative abilities, being able to grow back any damaged tissue. By
late January 2018, the axolotl genome was sequenced. Although it is far from giving humans the ability to regenerate, scientists now have a map to see what genes allow regeneration.
