The Human Genome Project was a world-wide effort to identify, categorize and study the genes in human DNA, the chemical base pairs that are our genetic building blocks. It was a large-scale project with sweeping medical and research implications--the Human Genome Project is like a map of human genes that will speed up scientific discoveries.
History
The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health coordinated the Human Genome Project with scientists all over the world. It started in 1990 and was projected to take 15 years. It was completed early in 2003 thanks to advances in technology.
Features
The Human Genome Project identified and cataloged all the genes contained in the DNA of human beings. This is about 25,000 genes. It also figured out the sequences of 3.2 billion chemical base pairs in human DNA. The Human Genome Project gathered a massive database and made it available to the private sector for research. Even though the genes are all now identified, scientists still do not know what half of them do.
Identification
In order to identify human genes, researchers looked at genes from many organisms that were not human. Among these were lab mice, fruit flies and bacteria found in human abdomens. They all have similar characteristics to people. This helped scientists figure out which genes performed specific functions. Examples are genes that give a person a specific physical feature, genes that fight disease and genes that influence behavioral traits. The Human Genome Project also broke down the way the four DNA chemicals--"A", "T," "C" and "G"--are paired up. The different base pairs determine an animal's species and all the individual traits.
Effects
The Human Genome Project promises to revolutionize the way scientists research human genetic disorders. This is expected to lead to exciting new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. Information was made available to the private sector. Private companies were allowed to license technology and grants were awarded for promising research. The mission of the Human Genome Project is to share knowledge to encourage medical innovations.
Considerations
The Human Genome Project went to great lengths to consider the ethical, legal and social ramifications of its research. It was the first significant scientific study to do this. About $1 million was spent examining these issues. They include fairness in sharing genetic information, psychological impact, reproductive issues and confidentiality of genetic information. Project leaders do not claim to solve any of these problems, only to examine them and open a dialog.
Tags: Genome Project, Human Genome, Human Genome Project, genes that, base pairs, available private, available private sector