Variation - The Human Genome Project (GCSE Biology)

The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project

The human genome project involved thousands of scientists from across the globe who worked together to map the human genome. This was to find every single gene in the human body and around 20,500 genes and their locations were found. The project began in 1990 and was completed in 2003 and after finding the genes, scientists have been working on the finding out the roles of the genes.

Medical Uses

This project has helped find around 1,800 genes that are related to disease. This has been proven to be very advantageous in medicine as this knowledge can help:

• Test for and treat genetic disorders. Genetic disorders are due to faulty alleles so the project has helped scientists identify the genes and alleles that are thought to have caused the genetic disorder much more quickly. Then people can be tested to see whether they have that allele and better, specific treatment can be given.
• Predict and prevent diseases from occurring. By knowing which genes predispose a person to which disease, doctors can tailor their advice to patients in order to prevent them from developing the disease. For example, heart disease is caused by a combination of genes alongside lifestyle factors so doctors can tailor their advice on diet and lifestyle to those who are more likely to get heart disease. Similarly they could also start treatment earlier by regularly checking up on those who are at risk.
• Create more efficient medication. Genetic variations can affect how a person will react to certain treatments. Some may respond to medication better than other. Hence, medications can be developed and tailored to those with a specific genetic variation. For example, in breast cancer, tests can be done to see whether a person will or won’t respond to a specific drug and which dosage is the most appropriate for them. hence, more effective treatments with fewer side effects can be developed.

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Disadvantages

However, there are some disadvantages:

• Employers and insurers can use this to discriminate. If you are likely to develop a serious genetic disease, life insurance can get really expensive and employers may also discriminate against you.
• This knowledge can increase stress. Knowing that you are susceptible to a genetic disease can cause immense stress and panic every time you get a potential symptom.
• This knowledge could pressurise people not to have children. The fear of passing down the genetic disorder could pressurise people into opting not to have children.