The Human
Genome
Possible Benefits of the Human Genome
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The mapping of the human genome can lead to an understanding of how genes affect diseases, and when to expect a disease in an individual.
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New treatments can be produced using the human genome for better diagnosis of disease, early detection of certain diseases, and for gene therapy.
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Patients can be alerted that they are at risk for certain diseases, and can be tested for risks of certain conditions later in life.
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Comparisons of different genomes can help scientists discover how humans evolved and understand the common biology that is shared with all life on earth.
Accomplishments of the Human Genome Project
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"In April 2003, the Human Genome Project completed a high quality sequence of essentially the entire human genome."
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The Human Genome Project located many human genes and provided information regarding their structure and organization.
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Along with the human genome, the Human Genome Project sequenced the genomes of other organisms, such as the roundworm, the fruit fly, and the mouse.
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"Researchers can discover the functions of particular genes and identify which genes are critical for life" by comparing the genes of humans to those of other organisms.
In 2001, the first draft of the human genome sequence cost over $95 million dollars. Over time, the cost of sequencing the human genome has decreased. From about $7 million dollars in 2007 to under $1000 today (2017), the price to sequence an individual's genome has become affordable and can be used for healthcare. (3.4)
