5 - The Human Genome Project

Question 1

Dates for human genome project

Answer 1

1986 - human genome project proposed

Question 2

Goals of Human genome project

Answer 2

• Identify all genes in human DNA
• determine the sequences of the DNA in base pairs that make up the human genome
• store this genetic information in databases
• improve tools for data analysis
• transfer related technologies to the private sector and…
• address the ethical, legal, and social issues that may arise from the project

Question 3

How many protein-coding genes do humans have

Answer 3

22,000
- only 1.5% of our genome is protein coding

Question 4

Benefits of the human Genome Project (HGP)

Answer 4

• Personalised Medicine

Question 5

Benefits of personalised medicine

Answer 5

• Same diagnosis for each person may be toxic for some people, and may have no effect in others
• so we can tailor medicines and doses to suit different patients
• Can use predictive tests for certain diseases, e.g. breast cancer
• so can predict and prevent certain diseases

Question 6

Ethical issues with genetic information usage

Answer 6

• employer could refuse to hire someone due to health concerns indicated by persons genome
• health insurance companies could refuse to provide insurance to some people based in their genome
• Psychological impact - knowledge of having genome associated with short life - do you want to know?
• stigma- do you want others to know

Question 7

Francis Cricks central dogma for biology

Answer 7

DNA makes RNA makes proteins

Question 8

Summary of genomic landmarks

Answer 8

2001 - human genome project - close relationship with chimpanzees
- 22,000 protein encoding genes - only 1.5% of our genome
1958 - Cricks Central Dogma - DNA codes for RNA which makes proteins
1910 - Sex linkage - Morgan
1902 - Chromosomal Theory, Sutton
1865 - Mendel Genetics and Pea experiment