What were the goals of the Human Genome Project? Describe its methods and list four salient features of the human genome.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Introduce the HGP. A 13-year international project (1990 to 2003) to sequence the entire human genome.
2 · List the goals.
Identify all 20,000 to 25,000 genes
Sequence 3 billion base pairs
Store data and improve analysis tools
Address ethical, legal and social issues
3 · Explain the two approaches. Expressed Sequence Tags (genes expressed as RNA) and sequence annotation (whole genome, then functions).
4 · Describe the method. Random fragments cloned in BAC and YAC vectors in bacteria and yeast; sequenced by automated sequencers on Sanger's method; assembled using overlaps.
5 · List four features.
3164.7 million bases
Dystrophin is the largest gene, 2.4 million bases
Less than 2% codes for proteins
99.9% bases same in all people
6 · Link to real life. Genome data helps doctors predict drug responses and helps breeders improve crops like rice.
7 · Close in one line. So the HGP gave us the full human sequence and showed how little of it codes for proteins.
Scoring tip: Use exact numbers from the textbook (3164.7 million, 2.4 million, 99.9%, under 2%). Vague words like 'many' do not score.
