Human Genome Project

Human Genome
Double-stranded DNA Complementary nucleotide base pairing

Adenine Thymine / Cytosine Guanine

Human Genome Project

 Number of base pairs in human genome: 99.9% bases identical among people 0.1% / 3 millions pairs scattered in separate regions At least 50% known as junk DNA or minisatellites or tandem repeats, not coding for proteins

3 billions

Number of genes in human genome:

estimated 80,000140,000
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Human Genome Project

Progress of the HGP

Launched in 1990
Worldwide project scientists from USA, Britain, China, France, Germany and Japan Planned to last for at least 15 years with a cost of US$ 200 million per year The first draft of the entire human genome sequence was announced in June 2000 99.9% of the human sequence was worked out in April 2003
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Goals of the HGP

Determine the complete nucleotide sequences of human genome Identify the genes in human DNA Store the information in databases

Improve tools for data analysis including DNA sequencing

Transfer related technologies to the private sectors

Address ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) that may arise from the HGP
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Applications of the HGP

Molecular Medicine e.g. improved diagnosis of

disease, gene therapy and chemical warfare

Microbial Genomics e.g. protection from biological

Risk Assessment e.g. assess health damage and

risks caused by exposure to mutagenic chemicals and cancer-causing toxins population groups based on female genetic inheritance
Human Genome Project

Evolution e.g. study migration of different

 DNA Forensics (Identification) e.g.

identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes, identify crime and catastrophe victims, identify endangered and protected species as an aid to wildlife officials (could be used for prosecuting poachers )
Bioprocessing e.g. to create disease-, insect-, and drought-resistant crops, to create healthier, more productive, disease-resistant farm animals, to obtain more nutritious produce
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Agriculture, Livestock Breeding, and

Ethical, Legal & Social Implications

Fairness in the use of genetic information by

insurers, employers, courts, schools, adoption agencies , and the military, among others

Privacy and confidentiality of genetic

information

Psychological impact and stigmatization

due to an individual's genetic differences.

Reproductive issues including adequate informed

agreement for complex and potentially controversial procedures, use of genetic information in reproductive decision making, and reproductive rights.
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 Clinical issues including the education of

doctors and other health service providers, patients, and the general public in genetic capabilities, scientific limitations, and social risks; and implementation of standards and quality-control measures in testing procedures. regarding human responsibility, free will vs genetic determinism, and concepts of health and disease.

Conceptual and philosophical implications

Human Genome Project

 Health and environmental issues concerning

genetically modified foods (GM) and microbes.

Commercialization of products including property

rights (patents , copyrights, and trade secrets) and accessibility of data and materials.

Human Genome Project

Useful websites
http://www.sanger.ac.uk/HGP/ http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/ Human_Genome/home.shtml http://www.genome.gov/Pages/Educati onKit/index.html http://www.doegenomes.org/ http://www.genome.gov/Pages/Educati onKit/download.html
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Assignment
Discuss among the members of your group for the question about ELSI. Present your findings. Finish the worksheet given.

Human Genome Project

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