Human Genome Project

Question 1

Was the human genome project a public or private effort?

Answer 1

The project itself was a public effort, but there was also a private effort aiming to do the same thing

Question 2

Who was leading the private effort to sequence the human genome?

Answer 2

Craig Venter at Celera

Question 3

Why did both the public and private effort aim to publish the draft human genome at the same time?

Answer 3

So they both get the credit

Question 4

When did both efforts publish a draft human genome?

Answer 4

2001

Question 5

Which journals published the draft sequence in 2001?

Answer 5

The public effort published in Nature, the private effort published in Science

Question 6

How long was the human genome project intended to run for?

Answer 6

From 1990 to 2015, 25 years

Question 7

Who initiated the international public effort to sequence the human genome?

Answer 7

The United States

Question 8

When did the human genome project officially begin?

Answer 8

1990

Question 9

What were the 6 main goals of the human genome project?

Answer 9

1. Sequence the human genome
2. Sequence other important genomes, like those of model organisms
3. Train the scientists to sequence the genome
4. Develop the technology to sequence a genome the size of a human’s
5. Develop the technology to store and analyze genomic data
6. Explore the social, legal, and ethical implications of the project

Question 10

What were the 3 major long-term outcomes of the human genome project?

Answer 10

1. Comparative genomics of different species
2. Understand more about human disease, diagnosis, and treatments (improve people’s quality of life)
3. Promote genetics and genomics research internationally

Question 11

What was the intent of the human genome project in terms of the information availability?

Answer 11

It was intended to be made publicly available

Question 12

When was the first chromosome sequenced? Which one?

Answer 12

1999. Chromosome 22, which is the smallest autosome

Question 13

Why was there concern when Celera announced that they were going to sequence the human genome way faster than the public effort?

Answer 13

There was concern that Celera would patent the human genome

Question 14

What was the sequencing method developed by Celera? How did it work?

Answer 14

Whole genome shotgun sequencing. It shatters the genome into tiny fragments, puts those into plasmids, and uses a primer for the plasmids to sequence the fragment. Then computer programs put the fragments back together

Question 15

When did the human genome project officially end?

Answer 15

2003

Question 16

What role did Canada play in the human genome project?

Answer 16

Very minimal, only a few universities were involved

Question 17

How was Canada’s lack of involvement in the human genome project seen as a missed opportunity?

Answer 17

A missed opportunity to develop the biotechnology and genomics capabilities to diversify the economy

Question 18

Why was Genome Canada created?

Answer 18

To develop and implement a national strategy to promote large genomic and proteomics research projects to benefit all Canadians