Question

The Human Genome Project has provided humankind with new information about genetic influences on behavior. To expand your knowledge of genetics, please visit the Human Genome Project website. Share with the class information from one of the "Fact Sheets about genetic and genomic science." Please address the following questions: Do you support this research? Or do you think the research is unethical? Why? How do you think this issue can help or hurt development in humans? Response Posts: In your responses to your classmates, contribute to the discussion with your own original opinions or interpretation of the course materials

Answer 1

1. ANS: The variation in the human genomes distinctly differentiates the individuals Ina population. The multiple variants of a gene are possible and result in a phenomenon known as polymorphism. Though 99.9 % of individuals exhibit the genome similarity biochemically they distinctly different in their genetically constitution.

The main aim of the human genome project is to determine the correct sequencing of every gene in the human cells (sequencing of 3 billion DNA base pairs form the genome). Human genome project was an international scientific research project and it was coordinated, comprehensive with a great effort with an ultimate aim to map the entire genome by determining the complete nucleotide sequence of DNA of each chromosome (22 Autosomal and X and Y sex chromosome)

In US a project to map and sequence the human genome was proposed in 1986, and in 1988, National Institute of Health directed by Francis Collins and US Department of Energy headed by Arizona Patrick created a joint committee to develop a plan for the project. Human go Genome Project was launched on October 1, 1990. It was a 13 year project conducted by U.S. department of Energy & National institute of health; completed in 2003.

Human genome project main purpose:

1. To determine the nucleotide sequence of 3 billion base pairs in human genome.

2. To store this genetic information obtained from sequencing g human genome in computer databases.

3. To identify the functions of different genes.

4. To point out genes responsible for different kinds of genetic disorders.

5. To address ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) that may arise from this project.

I support this project because of these reasons:
1. It helped to predict and prevent diseases as by knowing the genes causing certain diseases can be identified with the help of which prevention measure can be found out.
2. It helps in the improvement of the medicines by knowing certain ways by which the human can react in response to a medicine.
3. It can help in the disease diagnosis.
Ethical issues:

Human genome project could be very useful such as that for the treatment of genetic disorders, there are also some moral and ethical implications, taking from the perspective of US healthcares. In order to maintain an ethically sound condition, genetic collection and storage can be done in a manner that does not disturb or affect the privacy rights of a person. Professionalism in their work would enable them to use the data carefully without manipulation and to be careful as to where the information is passed. Also, if the evidence is no longer needed, then it should be destroyed. So due to the more advantages in many conditions Human genome project was considered as ethical.

2. ANS: Human genome project role in human development:

Future research on human genome project stresses upon the aim to understand the genetic makeup of human species and to enhance the basic understanding about human genetics . The various areas that could benefit from human genome project are;

1. Health care: Human genome project can provide vast amount of genetic information about the genes responsible for genetic disorders which will help in preventing g inherited diseases.

2. Cancer: Efforts are in progress to determine genes that will cause reversion of cancerous cells to normal cells.

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