Topic 1: Genome Sequencing

Why in news?

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has officially announced the completion of the ‘10,000 genome’ project an attempt to create a reference database of whole-genome sequences out of India.

What is genome?

The human genome is the entire set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)residing in the nucleus of every cell of each human body. It carries the complete genetic information responsible for the development and functioning of the organism.

• The DNA consists of a double-stranded molecule built up by four bases – adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). Every base on one strand pairs with a complementary base on the other strand (A with T and C with G) In all, the human genome is made up of approximately 3.05 billion such base pairs.

What is genome sequencing?

• Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. The genome is the entire set of genetic material present in an organism, including all of its genes and non-coding regions.
• DNA sequencing allows scientists to read the order of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, abbreviated as A, T, C, and G) that make up an organism’s DNA.

What is the process of Genome Sequencing?

The process of genome sequencing involves several steps:

1. Sample Collection: A sample containing the organism’s DNA is collected. This could be a blood sample, tissue biopsy, saliva, or any other source of genetic material.
2. DNA Extraction: DNA is extracted from the collected sample using various laboratory techniques. The DNA is purified to remove contaminants and proteins.
3. DNA Fragmentation: The extracted DNA is broken down into smaller fragments, usually through physical or chemical methods.
4. Sequencing: The fragments of DNA are then sequenced using different sequencing technologies.
5. Assembly: The sequenced fragments are then assembled into a complete genome sequence using bioinformatics tools and algorithms. This step involves aligning and overlapping the sequenced fragments to reconstruct the original genome sequence.
6. Analysis: Once the genome sequence is assembled, it can be analysed to identify genes, regulatory elements, and other features of interest. Comparative genomics can also be performed to compare the genome with other organisms and understand evolutionary relationships.

What are the applications of Genome sequencing?

• Genome sequencing has numerous applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, evolutionary biology, and environmental science.
• It provides insights into the genetic basis of diseases, helps in the development of personalized medicine, facilitates crop improvement through breeding programs, and enhances our understanding of biodiversity and evolution.
• Genome sequencing has been used to evaluate rare disorders, preconditions for disorders, even cancer from the viewpoint of genetics, rather than as diseases of certain organs. Nearly 10,000 diseases — including cystic fibrosis and thalassemia — are known to be the result of a single gene malfunctioning.

Topic 2: DEEPFAKE

Why in news?

Recently a famous actress deep fake got viral. The deepfake video, which looked very real triggered a debate around the misuse of technology with several influential celebrities raising their concerns.

What is deepfake?

• A deepfake is a fake photo or audio/video created with artificial intelligence (AI). They can be made on phones and computers using a software that places one person’s face or body on another person, or by using tools where someone produces the morphed image or sound clip with stolen material.
• This technology can be used against real people to create abusive material or pornography. They violate a person’s privacy and come with copyright issues as well.

How are deepfakes made and how it can lead to character assassination of the victims?

• Before 2023, creating deepfakes required advanced technical skills in using photo-editing tools to convincingly paste victims’ faces onto others’ bodies.
• However, the rise of generative AI tools like Midjourney and DALL-E now allows even amateurs to produce hyper-realistic photos and videos.
• Unregulated AI image and video editors further enable users to seamlessly transplant faces onto different bodies or alter clothing, leading to the creation of realistic non-consensual photos and pornographic content.
• Experts have pointed out how deepfakes are often used to specifically attack female-presenting people, by undressing them or putting them in explicit situations to elicit shame and objectify them.

What are the legal provisions available to an individual in case of being subjected to deep fake?

If an individual becomes a victim of deep fake content, it is crucial for them to take legal action to protect their rights and seek justice.

• It is essential to report the incident to the police, providing all relevant details, including information about the IT Rules that prohibit the creation and dissemination of such content.
• When filing a complaint, victims should reference their rights under Sections 66E, 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act.
• Section 66E addresses the violation of privacy, while Sections 67, 67A, and 67B pertain to the publication or transmission of obscene or sexually explicit content, as well as impersonation for the purpose of cheating.
• Offenders can face significant penalties under these provisions, including fines and imprisonment.
• Victims should collaborate closely with law enforcement and legal professionals to navigate the process and seek appropriate redress for the harm caused by deep fake incidents.