Human genome project (II) Flashcards
What is a genome project?
A genome project is a scientific research initiative aimed at mapping and sequencing the complete genetic material of an organism, enabling the identification of genes and understanding their functions.
What are the key components of a genome project?
The key components of a genome project include:
1. Sequencing the entire genome
2. Identifying all genes within the genome
3. Creating databases to store genomic data
4. Analyzing data through bioinformatics
5. Addressing ethical, legal, and social implications.
What was the primary goal of the Human Genome Project (HGP)?
The primary goal of the HGP was to sequence the entire human genome, consisting of approximately 3.3 billion base pairs, and to identify all human genes.
What methods were used in the Human Genome Project?
Two significant methods used in the HGP were:
1. Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) for identifying expressed genes.
2. Sequence Annotation for assigning functional tags to sequenced regions.
How was the human genome sequenced?
The human genome was sequenced by isolating complete gene sets, fragmenting them into smaller pieces, amplifying these fragments using vectors (BACs and YACs), and then sequencing them with DNA sequencers.
What is bioinformatics in the context of genome projects?
Bioinformatics involves using computational tools to analyze and interpret large datasets generated from genomic studies, facilitating insights into genetic functions and relationships.
What is a shotgun sequencing approach?
A shotgun sequencing approach involves randomly breaking DNA into small fragments, sequencing those fragments, and then assembling them based on overlapping regions to reconstruct the original sequence.
What are sequence-tagged sites (STSs)?
STSs are short DNA sequences with known locations on chromosomes that can be amplified using PCR. They help in mapping DNA fragments to specific chromosomal regions.
What is the significance of creating genome databases?
Genome databases store vast amounts of genomic data, enabling researchers to access and analyze genetic information efficiently for various applications in medicine and biology.
What are some applications of genome projects?
Applications include identifying genetic markers for diseases, understanding genetic variations associated with health conditions, and developing personalized medicine approaches.
What ethical considerations are associated with genome projects?
Ethical considerations include issues related to privacy, consent for genetic testing, potential discrimination based on genetic information, and implications for genetic engineering.
When did the human genome project start and finish
The HGP began in 1990 and was officially completed on April 14, 2003.
What were the main goals of the Human Genome Project?
The main goals included sequencing the entire human genome, identifying all genes, creating genome sequence databases, and addressing ethical, legal, and social implications.
