The Human Genome Project

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Overview
On April 14, 2003 the National Human Genome Research Institute announced the successful completetion of the Human Genome Project. This opened a plethora of doors for the advancement of genomic research. A genome is an individual's complete set of DNA or genetic instructions that regulate and direct the activites of each of their cells. The information contained within an organism's genome builds and maintains that entire organism. In humans, a copy of the entire genome is contained in all cells that have a nucleus. More specifically, the genome contains genes, which are packaged in chromosomes and affect specific characteristics of the organism based on their location. Each species has its own unique genome: the cat genome, the horse genome, the genome of the Escherichia coli, the human genome, and so on. Therefore, the genome is specific to species but they also belong to individuals. However, even though we each carry our own unique set of hereditary intstructions, your genome is recognizabily a human genome.
Sequencing of the Human genome led to an array of futher advancements and research based on the 3 billion base pairs that reside in our 23 chromosomes. One of the emerging results of this is the ability to perfrom genetic testing . Genetic testing is simply the analysis of human DNA, RNA, or proteins. These tests are preformed in a clinical setting to detect abnormalities in our genes as well as outside of the healthcare field in paternaty testing and forensics. When genetic testing was first available, its purpose was to help identify mutations in chromosomes or genes that could potentially lead to disease. However, recently, genetic testing has become an emerging research field that has expanded is variety of ...

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...enings to indentify genetic disorders early in life so treatment can start as early as posible. Ultimately, genetic testing gives an individual the chance to better understand their risk of a certain disease. Certainly, testing is not perfect, but it can help make better decisions about one's health.

Works Cited

CFTR. (2008, January 1). - cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (ATP-binding cassette sub-family C, member 7). Retrieved April 25, 2014, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/CFTR
Holt, S. (Director). (2012). Cracking your genetic code : PBS Distribution.
Regulation of Genetic Tests. (2014, February 7). Regulation of Genetic Tests. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://www.genome.gov/10002335
Types of Genetic Testing | Medindia. (n.d.). Medindia. Retrieved April 25, 2014, from http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/genetic_testing_types.htm

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