Transcript 1070-Human Genome Project Presentation

How many Genes do
you think it takes to describe
a human being?
Answer: Roughly 30,000 (for basics)
Remember – every gene is one
tiny characteristic!
How do scientists know this?
http://genomics.energy.gov/gallery/logos/gallery-01.html
Most information has come from the
Human Genome Project.
The HGP was a huge project to
collect all the genetic information
for a human being.
http://golondon.about.com/od/londonpictures/ig/Front-Page-Exhibition/Human-DNA-Mapped.htm
Every gene (characteristic) has
been examined and written out in the code
of Chemical Bases we call DNA.
http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/ahp/BioInfo/graphics/GP.GeneticCode.GIF
Genetic Engineers have then compared
different pieces of code from different people
and found what each gene is responsible for.
E.g. Hair or eye colour.
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/images/en/9344-genes-picture.jpg
They are now using this info. to identify
the damaged genes that cause inherited
diseases.
The plan is to identify the faulty genes,
then swap or remove them from the cells
completely - so no genetic disorders!
http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/april2007/04232007saliva.htm
Questions to Consider...
1) Are genetic disabilities diseases? Do they need to be cured or
prevented?
(D/C grade)
2) If the Human Genome Project can tell us exactly what our children
would look like, would you use it to choose their characteristics?
(C/B grade)
3) If you could screen your reproductive cells for any faulty genes, would
you? Give a reason why you would or wouldn’t do this.
(B/A* grade)
Typical IAA question
1) Why are computers used to
collect information on the human
genome and genetic disorders?
Write three benefits in your book.
Acceptable answers...
• Faster than by hand.
• Can compare lots of data at once.
• Can identify faulty genes quicker.
• Will not miss any faults unlike
a human reader – no human error.
• Can store all the information and
fetch it again very quickly.
Base
Gene
Human Genome Project
Sequence
DNA Strand
Genetic Disorder