Article 1: "#26: Biologist J.
Craig Venter keeps riding the cusp of each new wave in biology. When researchers started analyzing genes, he launched the Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), decoding the genome of a bacterium for the first time in 1992. When the government announced its plan to map the human genome, he claimed he would do it first-and then he delivered results in 2001, years ahead of schedule. Armed with a deep understanding of how DNA works, Venter is now moving on to an even more extraordinary project. Starting with the stunning genetic diversity that exists in the wild, he is aiming to build custom-designed organisms that could produce clean energy, help feed the planet, and treat cancer." (Weintraub, 2010).
Reaction.
J. Craig Venter has become an iconic figure in the biotechnology world. I find it very interesting when a person is the first to achieve a task or decipher a discovery. In this case, Venter became the first to decode a bacterium's genome and also first to later map the human genome. This amazes me because according to the paragraph, Venter finished the mapping of the human genome "YEARS ahead of schedule." From this, I can infer that Venter's achievements and discoveries required a large amount of time and dedication. It is inspiring to read about a person such as Craig that puts a multitude of effort into his field of study. His efforts have positively affected the material I learned about the diagnostic domain in biotechnology.
Summary.
J. Craig Venter is a labeled as a genomic pioneer for he was the first scientist to decode the genome for the bacterium known as Mycoplasma mycoides and later sequence the entire human genome. His determination lead to the outcomes of these discoveries/achievements. DNA has become a great specialty of Venter with a highly deep knowledge of DNA gene functions and placement. Branching off from this knowledge, Venter is on his way to complete yet another breakthrough in science.