Scribd
Upload
56 views1 page

The HGP

The document discusses the Human Genome Project and its impact on medicine and biotechnology. It notes that the HGP mapped the human genome and identified over 20,000 genes, including disease-causing genes. This has allowed researchers to begin understanding how genes and proteins relate to traits and diseases. The knowledge from the HGP could enable gene therapy and genetic modification of humans for medical purposes or to design physical traits. However, the question remains of whether we should alter people's genes.

Uploaded by

api-302132269
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
56 views1 page

The HGP

The document discusses the Human Genome Project and its impact on medicine and biotechnology. It notes that the HGP mapped the human genome and identified over 20,000 genes, including disease-causing genes. This has allowed researchers to begin understanding how genes and proteins relate to traits and diseases. The knowledge from the HGP could enable gene therapy and genetic modification of humans for medical purposes or to design physical traits. However, the question remains of whether we should alter people's genes.

Uploaded by

api-302132269
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

The H.G.P.: Saving Lives or Playing With Them?

Background: The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international research effort to determine the
sequence of the human genome and identify the particular traits each gene represents. The work of the HGP
allowed researchers to begin understanding the blueprint for building a person. As researchers learn more
about the functions of genes and proteins, this knowledge will have a major impact in the fields of medicine,
biotechnology, and the life sciences. We now have identified just over 20,000 human genes, including several
disease-causing genes, and we now have the ability to use DNA like a medicine to treat these diseases. Other
possibilities include the creation of new humans with specifically sorted DNA allowing them to have designed
physical traits, such as for beauty, health, and strength. The technology is ready, but the question remains:
should we alter a persons genes?

1. Research Questions (1-3 index cards allowed during interview):

How do DNA, RNA, single nucleotide polymorphism, and gene insertion work?
What is the relationship between DNA, proteins, and disease?
Approximately what percentage of a persons DNA is different from any other human?
What are the arguments for and the arguments against altering a persons genes?

2. Tri-fold Board (required information listed; feel free to include additional information):

Include the function, structure, purpose, and nitrogen bases of DNA, including the production
of proteins from DNA and a diagram of how genes are spliced
Include information about diseases related to DNA and genes, and how these diseases can be
treated through human genetic technology
Include the arguments for and the arguments against altering a persons genes for medical and
designer purposes

3. Project Options (choose one):

If you are FOR gene therapy and genetically modified people:


Create a campaign that supports your cause: design a logo and slogan, T-shirts, buttons,
bumper stickers, and an advertisement (ex. commercial or posters) that encourages the
public to agree with your groups opinion on genetic modification
Choose a disease that can be treated or cured using human genetic alteration. Create a
charity foundation that will increase awareness of the disease you choose to support:
create a name, logo, slogan, poster/pamphlet increasing awareness of your foundation
and disease, and a fundraising plan (what is something you could do to raise awareness
and research funds?)
If you are AGAINST gene therapy and genetically modified people:
Create a campaign that supports your cause: design a logo and slogan, T-shirts, buttons,
bumper stickers, and an advertisement (ex. commercial or posters) that encourages the
public to agree with your groups opinion on genetic modification
Choose a negative outcome or major problem with human genetic alteration. Create a
charity foundation that will increase awareness of this negative impact so that the public
will be aware: create a name, logo, slogan, poster/pamphlet increasing awareness of
your foundation and disease, and a fundraising plan (what is something you could do to
raise awareness and research funds?)
Create a timeline
Research the major events, breakthroughs, and setbacks in genetic science since its
discovery. Include images, diagrams, interesting facts, and important events.

You might also like