Paper 1 - The Human Genome Project Flashcards
What is the human genome project ?
The human genome project is a collaboration between scientists from many different countries to map the human genome.(order of bases on all human chromosomes)
-produced a map 3.3 billion complementary base pairs in a humans 46 chromosomes -> 99% of human dna bases are the same, the 1% is what makes us different from one another.
Reasons for mapping out the human genome.
- identifying evolutionary relationships between humans and other organisms.
- identify risk of developing genetic diseases caused by different alleles of genes
- identify what medicines can be used to treat people - tailored treatments where specific alleles affect how a person will respond to the treatment/alleles can affect how medicines work in the body
- identify carriers of genetic diseases
- identify underlying genetic diseases and the differences between them as some medicines are more beneficial in some forms of the same diseases
- > impact and ability to change lifestyle, To reduce chances of disease developing
Potential disadvantages of the human genome project
- people at risk of disease may have to pay more life insurance
- it may not be helpful to tell somebody they are at risk of a condition with no cure. -> lead to stress and worry
How do our genetics impact our wellbeing, And we how function as people ?
The 1% of additional information for each person could have impact in their personality, fitness etc. However it may make them more prior to genetic diseases if there was an outstanding condition in the family
What is preventative medicine and how can it help us understand genetics ?
Specific treatments or medicines relative to the person.
- better understanding of diseases
- determine location of genes
(WORKED EXAMPLE) describe 2 possible developments as a result of decoding the human genome and discuss the implications. -> [1 bad 1 good for each one]
One development is the identification of genes that can cause disease. Could help a person and their family prepare, yet some people would rather not know as it would worry them.
Gene therapy. Replacing faulty alleles in body cells with healthy ones. Allow for healthy lifestyle. However people would have to decide weather the faulty alleles are replaced in gametes so that the healthy alleles could be passed on to children.
What is gene therapy?
Replacing faulty alleles in the body with healthy ones
