The Human Genome Project

HGP The Idea was to map the Human genes! Thousands of scientists from all over the world work together. The big idea was to find every single gene. One you find them then you figure out what they do.

Task Watch the video and discuss with your partner and write down 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of this project.

Good Stuff Predict and prevent diseases If doctors knew what genes predisposed people to what diseases, we call get individually tailored advice on the best diet and lifestyle to avoid are likely problems. Develop new and better medicines Maybe one day we’ll all have the medicines designed especially for us- these will be based on the way our individual body will react to the disease and to possible treatments. More generally knowing how a disease affects us on a molecular level can make it possible to design more effective treatments. Accurate diagnosis Some diseases are hard to test for (e.g. You can only tell for sure if someone has Alzheimer's after they die), but if we know the genetic cause, accurate testing will be a lot easier. Improving forensic science Forensic scientists can produce a ‘DNA fingerprint’ from biological material found at a crime science. If this matches your suspects DNA.. He or she was almost certainly present. In the future it might even be possible to figure out what the suspect looks like from DNA found at the scene of the crime.

Bad Stuff Increased Stress If someone knew from an early age that they’re susceptible to a nasty brain disease, they could pain every time they get a headache. Gene-ism People with genetic problems could come under pressure not to have children. Discrimination by employers and insurers Life insurance could become impossible to get if you have any genetic likelihood of a serious disease. An employers may discriminate against people who are genetically likely to get a disease.