The Concept and Classification of Genomic (Genetic) Information

Abstract

The importance of genomic information has now increased due to the possibility of its practical use. Meanwhile, the understanding of the term “genomic information” is specified based on different criteria. Genomic information is proposed to be classified depending on the following criteria: 1) the origin of a biological sample, 2) the place of fixation and storage of genomic information, 3) the purpose of use, 4) the completeness of examination, 5) the relation of a person to the acquisition of his or her genomic information, 6) the scope of content. Genomic information can be presented as a generic concept referring to all biological objects, as a special concept (species) referring only to humans, and as subspecies reflecting specificity of such information in a particular area of activity. Genomic information of a living being (human, animal, plant, microorganism) is understood as data on certain fragments of deoxyribonucleic acid (sometimes ribonucleic acid) on the basis of which the living being is identified or other permitted activity is carried out.Human genomic information is defined as biometric personal data extracted from certain fragments of deoxyribonucleic acid (sometimes ribonucleic acid) of a living individual or corpse, on the basis of which it is possible to identify, determine genetic predispositions or extract patterns of the development of the human being obtained voluntarily, and, in cases provided for by the law, forced to be fixed in a biological sample and/or stored in an information map or database.It is proved that the existing laws on information or a new law dedicated to regulation of the application of genomic technologies should be amended instead of adopting a special law “On Genetic Information”.