The Human Genome Project

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The Human Genome Project

Introduction

The Human Genome Project (HGP) is a plan to develop a detailed genetic and physical map of the human genome. As a result of this project, it is predicted that vast increases in technology and biological approaches to the molecular world will occur. It was speculated that this project would take two decades. Some scientist did not even think it could be done because the technology was not ready for this kind of project.

Multiple issues have arisen since the original concept for this genome project was introduced. Never before had mankind faced such issues in one project. These issues include such topics as biotechnology, ethical dilemmas, social and individual implications, health and medical care, and scientific research. When the project was started in 1990, technology could only sequence 300 base pairs at a time. This made mapping (location of genes) and sequencing (the number and pattern of "letters") of the entire 3 billion base pairs seems like an insurmountable task (Collins & Jegalian, 1999). Limited technology drew critics of the project with doubt that a complete map could be accomplished. Development of technology proved to be the least controversial issue. Ethical issues often became the center of concern. Also, the fear of attempting to clone a genetically superior race became a key issue. Many of the other issues stemmed from ethical concerns. Health and medical care implications could have a profound effect on society and individuals through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic diseases. Thanks to the HGP things like insight into basic biology, development of new technology, and medicine may be increased drastically.

History

The official start of t...

... middle of paper ...

...Human Genome Project: where did it come from, where is it

going? American Journal of Human Genetics, 51, 1-6.

- Spengler, S. (1997). Emerging technologies from the Human Genome Project for

understanding susceptibility and risk. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 4,

235-238

- van Ommen, G., Bakker, E., & den Dunnen, J. (1999). The human genome project and the

future of diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. The Lancet, 354 (suppl 1), 5-10.

- Young, D. & Leonard, D. (1999). Issues in genetic testing. Clinical Chemistry, 45(6),

915-926.

Websites

- http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2000/genome/

- http://www.celera.com/

- http://www.nih.gov/

- http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/NEWS/about_HGP.html

- http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/HGP/

- http://www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/home.html

- http://www.sciencemag.org

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