Research Information About the Human Genome Project (Essay Sample)

The Human Genome Project
Name
Institution
Date
The Human Genome Project
The human genome project (HGP) started in 1990 as the culmination of the history of genetics research, which had been ongoing for decades before. In fact, HGP began when the United States’ National Institute of Health as well as Energy Department joined collaborated with international stakeholders to establish the correct sequence of billions of DNA making up the entire human genome. At the start, the project was estimated at $3 billion and it would take a decade and half as well as involve up to 18 nations (Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, 2016). This project completed in 2003, which was 2 years earlier than original schedule and it allowed researchers to start what has been described as the blueprint for developing a person. Altogether, HGP enabled researchers to learn more regarding gene and protein functions, which has been speculated as having profound influence in various fields including bio- technology, medicines, as well as the life sciences.
Significance of the project
The HGP project will help us to understand our species through developing genetic as well as physical maps of our and mouse genomes. Boehm (1999) notes this also involves sequencing the smaller worm as well as yeast genomes, which functions as a test run to sequence the larger and complex human genome. It can be said that HGP will help us to understand ourselves and other species through embarking on the process of chromosome characterization or creating the physical map. This is followed by sequencing, which involves determining DNA bases order on chromosomes or genetic maps. Up to 8 years of the project were dedicated to constructing fundamental genetic as well as physical maps of our genome as well as evaluating the genomes of mock-up organisms including yeast, bacteria, as well as the fruit fly. The implication is that HGP develops a blueprint for developing individuals, families, as well as the society. It must be noted that sequencing of genomes is vital to understanding humans and other species simply because it facilitates the identification of thousands of genes making up human DNA.
DNA sequences
Indeed, DNA sequencing explains that humans share common ancestors with other organisms through the fact that the famous double helix of DNA constitutes the hereditary material of all multi-cellular organisms (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2016). It follows that DNA sequencing is crucial to efforts to demonstrate the manner in which humans share common ancestors with other organisms simply because it looks to identify the hereditary material contained within DNA. In turn, it emerges that DNA constitutes four chemical bases and all genes constitute of stretches of the four bases that are arranged differently. The genome of each organism may be unique in its makeup, but it must be noted that many organisms share some form of genes, which come across as generally similar as far as DNA sequence is concerned.
Current and future applications of the HGP
HGP areas of application are diverse including biological medical applications, which involve identification of variations within specific genes predisposing to ailments. Other areas under which biological medical applications may be carried out include finding gene- environment associations that might trigger toxologic repercussions, as well as indentifying disparities in immune reaction genes, which has implications for medical ends including transplantation as well as vaccine development (Scherer, n.d). In addition, keeping in mind the fact that HGP involves proper analysis of human genes it will lead to improvement in gene therapy. In fact, it is beyond doubt that genome sequencing aids in improved gene therapy provision even as the practice is still in its infancy. It is safe to say that future application of the HGP will see increased application of gene therapy. Indeed, Boehm (1999) claims that scientists predict that human race chromosomes differ at approximately 0.1 percent, which means understanding the differences in the future could contribute to detection of heritable ailments and traits common to man. Presently, HGP derived information continues to fuel diverse health care discoveries including the cloning of genes linked to such diseases as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. Other areas of application include improved understanding of mutations in the future, development of bio- technology in several spheres, as well as development of pharmacogenomics.
HGP effects on medicine
In modern times, HGP is having a profound effect on medicine including tailored treatments in recognition of the fact that humans have differences in their DNA. Indeed, the project is revolutionizing medicine as health care forgets the trial-and error technique to tailor not only medications, but also doses accordingly. It must be pointed out that this has been enabled through pharmacogenetics concept dealing with the manner in which an individual’s genes react to drugs. What is more, HGP affects medicine via personalized care due to the fact that the project covered virtually all of human genes. It follows that today a doctor can predict an individual’s risk of developing several cancer types as well as other conditions afflicting population health around the world. In fact, genetics emerges as one of the various tools for patient- centered care. Furthermore, HGP affects medicines today when the entire revolutionary project is considered. This is because the project demonstrated the manner in which large-scale and multi-partner approach can do with respect to health care studies. Indeed, it is safe to say that today’s and future health care projects will be based on HGP’s blueprint as demonstrated through President Obama’s brain mapping program of 2013 (Teng, 2013).
Future of HGP
The future of HGP will likely see several findings...