Topic Isolating Cloning DNA Essay - Main Points!

Q) Discuss how the Human Genome Project could benefit humans in the future

Main points
Key idea:	Genetic test for disease
· Ref to an extremely detailed map of entire human genome · Genetic test for improved diagnosis of disease (e.g. improving prenatal diagnostic testing for genetic predisposition to diseases in unborn child) · Ref to early detection of diseases, early intervention to treat disease or reduce the chance of onset of disease later in life
Key idea:	Design molecular treatment for genetic diseases
· Allow for study of disease dev + design gene therapy to treat genetic diseases
Key idea:	Potential for personalized medicine (pharmacogenomics)
· Ref to genetic variation b/w ind may cause diff responses to drug treatments · Individual genetic profile throu HGP could lead to “customized drugs” for greater efficacy of treatment (e.g. drug dosage to minimize side effects + maximize effectiveness of drug)
Key idea:	Potential for assessing individual susceptibility to diseases link to environmental factors
· Named e.g. exposure to radiation, mutagenic chemicals, cancer-causing toxins · Such ‘vulnerable’ ind could adopt a lifestyle or career that minimizes exposure to such envt factors
Key idea:	Comparative analysis for human evolution and drug development
· Comparing mol data b/w diff grps of humans past & present (e.g. germ-line mutations in lineages) to understand human evolution (e.g. migration of human groups) · Analysis of mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in females, Y chromosome DNA polymorphisms in males, to trace maternal & paternal lineages of human species · Comparative genomics b/w humans + other organisms (e.g. mice) to determine fn of unknown genes · Discovery of similar genes associated w diseases + traits for drug dev · E.g. Large scale studies on genetically homogeneous populations identified alleles linked to certain disease cond
Key idea:	DNA forensics
· E.g. To identify endangered + protected sp, for prosecuting poachers · E.g. In humans, to identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes · E.g. Identify victims of catastrophic disasters or terrorism · E.g. Establish paternity, other family r/s
Key idea:	Food production
· Ref to understanding the roles of the genes + other regulatory seq, for developing edible vaccines (i.e. incorporated as food products) · GMO - developing high-yield disease-resistant crops or farm animals
Key idea:	New energy source + environment
· Ref to microbial genomics research to create new energy sources · or develop / genetically modify organisms for envt monitoring · Able to detect pollutants + other toxic compounds, or for safe + efficient envt remediation
Comments: (i) Verbalize the answer + write down the main points w/o referring to the answer (use abbreviations) (ii) Read again within the next 24h & once more within 72h (do not spend more than 10min) (iii) Efficacy is the capacity to produce a beneficial effect. (iv) Whenever possible, provide specific example to support your statement. (v) Environmental remediation involves the removal of contaminants from the environment for the general protection of human health and the environment.