From Double Helix to Human Genome

FILM ONE: HOW DOES DNA WORK? Synopsis: This film describes the unraveling of the DNA mechanisms and how they work in the cell. Topics include: 1) how DNA carries out the two essential functions of a genetic molecule; how replication occurs so genetic information can be transmitted to the next generation; the central dogma, and how DNA controls the production of proteins. Key interviews: Sydney Brenner, Marshall Nirenberg, and Matthew Meselson. Additional Interviews: David Baltimore, David Botstein, Walter Gilbert, Daniel Kevles, Maxine Singer, and Robert Sinsheimer. FILM TWO: MANIPULATING DNA Synopsis: This film describes the early methods for manipulating DNA, once the basics of its structure and function were worked out, including isolating the first bacterial gene, the development of a way to map DNA with RFLPs, and a way to determine the sequence of the nucleotides in the DNA double helix. Key interviews: David Baltimore, Jonathan Beckwith, David Botstein, Stanley Cohen, Herb Boyer, and Walter Gilbert. Additional Interviews: Sydney Brenner, Daniel Kevles, and Maxine Singer. FILM THREE: BIOTECHNOLOGY BEGINS Synopsis: This film describes the conversion of these new DNA handling technologies into a viable business model that puts biology on the same plane as physics - at least in terms of products it can produce. In the process, new drugs become available to help patients, and the method of drug discovery is revolutionized. At the same time, genetic engineering reaches the public consciousness for the first time, but the presence of ELSI concerns continues to make its presence felt. Key interviews: Walter Gilbert, Sydney Brenner, Robert Sinsheimer, Nancy Wexler, and David Botstein. Additional Interviews: Daniel Kevles and David Baltimore. FILM FOUR: IMAGINING THE GENOME Synopsis: This film describes the launch of the Human Genome Project, how the idea emerged from the growing genetic engineering capacity, the technologies, politics, and finances of genomics. Key interviews: Lee Hood, Sen. Pete Domenici, Robert Sinsheimer, and Patricia King. Additional Interviews: Daniel Kevles, Walter Gilbert, David Botstein, David Baltimore, Eric Lander, Charles DeLisi, James Wyngaarden, Shirley Tilghman, Francis Collins, and Nancy Wexler. FILM FIVE: IMPACT OF THE HUMAN GENOME PROJECT Synopsis: This film describes the impact the Human Genome Project is having on basic research, medical advances, and the application of genetic technologies to patients and families. Key interviews: Gerry Rubin, Craig Venter, Shirley Tilghman, Robert Sinsheimer, David Baltimore, Eric Lander, and Francis Collins. Additional interviews: Daniel Kevles, Nancy Wexler, and Lee Hood.