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4.1 discuss the benefits of the Human Genome Project
discuss the benefits of the Human Genome Project
- Completed in 2003, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was a collaborative project that lasted for 13 years. The goals of the project were to:
- identify all of the approximately 25,000-30,000 genes in human DNA
- determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA
- store this information in databases
- improve and develop tools for data analysis
- address the ethical, legal and social issues that may arise from the project.
- Analysis of the data will continue for many years. By licensing technologies to private companies and awarding grants for innovative research, the project accelerated the biotechnology industry and aided the development of new medical applications.
Current and potential applications and benefits of the HGP include:
Improvements in Molecular Medicine:
- improved diagnosis of inheritable diseases;
- earlier detection of genetic predispositions to disease;
- rational drug design; gene therapy and control systems for drugs.
More accurate risk assessment:
- assess health damage and risks caused by exposure to both high and low doses of radiation;
- assess health damage and risks caused by exposure to mutagenic chemicals and cancer-causing toxins;
- reduce the likelihood of heritable mutations.
Better understanding of evolution and human migration (Bioarchaeology, Anthropology, Evolution and Human Migration) :
- study evolution through germline mutations in lineages;
- study migration of different population groups based on female genetic inheritance;
- study mutations on the Y chromosome to trace lineage and migration of males;
- compare breakpoints in the evolution of mutations with ages of populations and historical events.
DNA Forensics:
- identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes through DNA fingerprinting of samples such as blood or skin
- exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes
- identify crime and catastrophe victims
- establish paternity and other family relationships
- match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs.
For more information on the HGP
US Department of Energy, Office of Science, USA. Click on any link that you are interested in.