Why in NEWS
Gujarat has initiated the country’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to map the genetic profiles of tribal populations and enable precision healthcare.
Key Terms / Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Genome Sequencing | Technique to decode the complete DNA sequence of an organism. |
| Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) | Sequencing of an organism’s entire DNA. |
| Targeted Gene Sequencing | Focused sequencing of specific genes linked to diseases. |
| Sickle Cell Disease | Genetic disorder causing abnormal red blood cells. |
| Thalassemia | Inherited blood disorder affecting hemoglobin production. |
About the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiated By | Gujarat Government |
| Implemented By | Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) |
| Objective | Identify genetic diseases and health risks in tribal populations |
| Scope | 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts |
| Purpose | Deliver personalized healthcare and bridge science–tradition gap |
Applications of Genome Sequencing
| Domain | Applications |
|---|---|
| Human Health | Identify genetic disorders, optimize drug therapy (personalized medicine), predict disease risks |
| Agriculture | Improve crops by identifying genes linked to resistance, yield, and nutrition |
| Drug Discovery | Find new drug targets based on genetic mutations |
In a nutshell
Mnemonic: GENE CARE
Gujarat leads
Early detection of tribal genetic risks
National first in genome mapping
Enhanced personalised medicine
Community-specific sequencing
Agriculture benefits possible too
Research-driven public health
Equity in health for tribals
Prelims Questions
- What is the main purpose of Gujarat’s Tribal Genome Sequencing Project?
a) Crop improvement in tribal areas
b) Mapping of tribal migration routes
c) Identification of genetic health risks and diseases
d) Promote Ayurveda in tribal belts - What type of genome sequencing provides the most comprehensive genetic information?
a) Partial genome sequencing
b) Whole genome sequencing
c) RNA sequencing
d) Protein sequencing - Which of the following is a genetic disorder targeted by the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project?
a) Malaria
b) Thalassemia
c) Tuberculosis
d) Influenza
Mains Questions
- Discuss the significance of the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project in bridging healthcare disparities in India. (10 Marks)
- How can genome sequencing contribute to both healthcare and agricultural development in India? (15 Marks)
Answers – Prelims
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | The project aims to identify genetic disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia in tribal populations. |
| 2 | b | Whole genome sequencing provides a full DNA profile for in-depth analysis. |
| 3 | b | Thalassemia is among the key genetic disorders this project seeks to detect. |
