Genome Sequencing
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 6.1.9
Genome Sequencing
In 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed. Researchers had successfully studied the entire human genome. Since then, extensive research has been carried out on it, resulting in a vast increase in our understanding. Potential future implications (effects) of this advance in knowledge include:
Gene identification
- Identifying genes linked to different disorders, allowing those at risk to make informed lifestyle decisions based on the known risk factors.
Improving understanding of inherited diseases
- Improving our understanding of the causes of inherited disorders and how we should be treating them.
Human evolutionary and migratory history
- Investigating human evolutionary history, including how humans migrated in the past.
Test yourself on Genome Sequencing
When was the Human Genome Project completed?
Why is it useful to identify genes linked to different disorders?
What could greater understanding of inherited disorders help improve, other than their causes?
What additional future benefit could genome sequencing offer for genetic diseases, beyond identifying the genes involved?
What potential implication of genome research does not depend on identifying a disease-linked gene first?