All About Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project is a long-term project by international scientists to develop detailed genetic and physical maps of the human genome. Researchers are engaged in locating and identifying all of its genes and establishing the sequence of the genes and all other components of the genome. Some genetic disorders will be detectable long before treatments are available for them. The controversy could also arise over reproductive issues. For example, people may consider terminating pregnancies for reasons of genetic makeup or if there is social pressure to limit reproductive rights or genetic grounds. Genetic discrimination and confidentiality issues in the insurance industry and employment must also be addressed. This article will learn about the genome and also HGP in brief.

DNA Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting refers to the complete or partial identification of an individual’s genetic information. It is essentially a DNA-based identification system, which depends on the genetic differences between individuals or organisms.

A sample of blood, saliva, semen, lubrication or other suitable fluid or tissue from personal objects can be used for DNA fingerprinting. Like fingerprints, each human has unique DNA.

Unlike fingerprints, which can be changed surgically. DNA fingerprinting is also known as DNA analysis or DNA profiling.DNA fingerprinting is used to determine the theft, and also helps a lot in order and rape cases to identify the theft.

Genome

Genome sequencing determines the exact sequence of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Under this, the sequence of the four elements present in DNA – adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thiamine (T) is traced.

With the help of DNA sequencing, it is possible to detect and treat people’s diseases promptly and make the next-generation disease-free.

Types of Genome 

 four type of genome are there – 

1. long interspersed nuclear elements ( LINEs )
2. short interspersed nuclear elements ( SINEs )
3. long terminal repeat (LTR)
4. DNA transposons 

Results of Human Genome Project(HGP)

The following information is obtained after the Human Genome Project.

• The total number of genes in humans is about 24000
• Any human race has 99.9% genetic similarity, with only 0.1% variation being the reason for its uniqueness
• Only 2% of the total genes in a cell play an active role in forming proteins, and this 2% of the active genes are different in different cells
• The increased genetic material in the human genome is found in repeated sequences called junk DNA. It does not participate in protein formation

Benefits of the Human Genome Project (HGP) 

With the Human Genome Project (Human Genome Project), the right treatment can be given to genetic diseases by identifying the genes associated with them. The supporting genetic basis of heart disease, blood-related diseases, asthma etc., can also be known.

Gene therapy can treat diseases by identifying the deficiency present in any person’s gene. In addition to this, custom drugs can be manufactured according to the human genome.

With the help of HGP, data can be used to identify the function of a gene and the proteins made by it. Based on the data obtained from the HGP, the evolutionary sequence of humans, human displacement and the relationship of humans with other organisms have been determined. For this work, along with the genome study of humans, the genomes of many other organisms were also studied.

HGP issues

Genome inspection allows any government to discriminate against individuals from a particular region based on their data. The concept of the designer baby will get more impetus based on the data from the genome.

Confidential and personal genetic information obtained from genome studies of any individual can be misused to breach privacy. Early detection of a person’s future illness can cause psychological pressure.

Genomics in India

The beginning of genome studies in India is considered to be in 2002. When India became a participant in the multinational Rice Genome Project. The Philippines, China, and Japan were other countries also involved in this project. Genome studies of many rice species have been done in India.

Based on the information obtained from the rice genome, India is developing super rice. This genetically modified rice will have a higher yield, fewer fertilizers, and is rich in many nutrients and vitamins.

Apart from this, genome studies of many other crops and plants are also being done. For example, wheat, mustard, gram etc. Plants with medicinal properties are also being studied.

The genome study is being done in India by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The purpose is to find the genetic basis of diseases found in India. For example, heart disease, diabetes, many types of cancer, etc.

Conclusion

Human Genome Project will showcase India’s capabilities in executing whole-genome sequencing. Since the human genome was first sequenced (in 2003), it has offered a new perspective on the relationship between diseases and each individual’s unique genetic makeup.

About 10,000 diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, etc., result from a single gene mutation, while these genes may be insensitive to certain drugs. Genome sequencing can also be used to understand diseases like cancer from the point of view of genetics.

The human genome project is expected to have a great impact on our understanding of the human body in our day to day life.