Human Genome Project

The beginning of the genetic age can be traced to the information presented by Watson and Crick (1953). After this, the discovery of genes in humans including various organisms started.  As a result, genetic engineering came into existence with the help of which gene structure changes were possible. This led to the emergence of a new system of 'gene therapy' in the medical world. This therapy can liberate from genetic and other deadly diseases.  One gene is responsible for all diseases. In order to know the gene structures, the US government started the Human Genome Project in 1990. Its purpose was to determine the DNA sequence of the entire genome of humans.  The National Human Genome Research Institute: NHGRI was established in the United States in 1993. On June 26, 2000, in the history of heredity and anthropological science, it was engraved in gold letters, because on this day  Dr. Francis Collins, Chairman of the Human Genome Project and Dr. J. Craig Venter of Celera Genomics jointly presented a model of the structure of the human genome.  

In view of the expansion and necessity of the objectives of the Human Genome 

Project, it has been called a megaproject.  

Approximately 3 x 109 alkali pairs are found in the human genome.  Detection of their sequences would cost approximately US $ 9 billion.  If their sequences are typed and stored in book form, then about 3300 books of 1000-1000 pages will be required in which the information of DNA of a human cell will be compiled.  The collection, analysis and reuse of these data will require high speed computational devices.  

Goals of Human Genome Project - 

The goals of the Human Genome Project are as follows

(1) Identifying approximately 20,000 to 25,000 human genes.  

(2) Determining the sequence of about 3 billion chemical base pairs forming human DNA.  

(3) To develop the latest rapid, more effective technique for storing and analyzing genome data.  

(4) To consider the social, ethical and legal issues arising as a result of the scheme.  

Salient Features of Human Genome Project - 

The main achievements from the Human Genome Project are as follows: 

(1) 3164.7 million bases are found in the human genome.  

(2) Each gene contains an average of 3000 bases, variations in their size are found.  

(3) Twenty-four billion bases are found in man's largest known gene dystrophin.  

(4) The number of genes is about 30,000 to 31,000.  About 99.9% of individuals have the same nucleotides.  

(5) The functions of about 50% of the known genes have been reported.  

(6) About 2% of the known genomes encode proteins.  

(7) The repetition sequence (noncoding DNA) makes up the majority of the genome.  They recur from hundred to thousands of times.  

(8) The first chromosome to be sequenced in humans is the 22nd pair.  It is the smallest pair of human chromosomes.  On this chromosome, 272 genuine and 134 coding genes are found.  

(9) The highest number of genes (2968) are found in chromosome X and the least number of genes (231) in Y chromosome.  

(10) Scientists have detected single nucleotide polymorphisms at about 14 million locations in humans.  

(11) Information has been received regarding disease-based sequences. 

 

Importance 

Human Genome Project will establish genomics or genomics as a useful mode by 2050.  The most benefit from this will undoubtedly be in the field of gene therapy.  So far, more than six thousand genetic disorders have been detected by research work.  Due to genome science, it will be possible to correct the genetic disorders of the infant in early childhood by detecting the genome structure of the infant immediately after birth.  

For this research work has been started to make D.N.A. vaccine.  This project will also enable knowledge of the impact of the environment on the development of genes.  Dr. Collins believes that between 2010 and 2020, gene therapy system will be established for some common diseases.  Drugs can be prepared according to the genetic structure of a person for the treatment of diseases like cancer, AIDS.  Apart from this, based on the knowledge of DNA sequences of other organisms, using their natural capabilities, challenges arising in the direction of health, safety, agriculture, energy production and environmental improvement can be solved.