Human Genome Project (HGP) Study Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the Human Genome Project, its implications, and the field of genomics.

Human Genome

The complete set of DNA of a human cell, including all of its genes, containing about 3 billion DNA base pairs.

Genes

Segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins; the human genome contains approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes.

Mature Red Blood Cells

Cells that lack nuclei and therefore contain no DNA.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS)

A method used to sequence the entire DNA of an organism, which was utilized in the Human Genome Project.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI)

A program launched by the Human Genome Project to address ethical issues arising from genomic research, including privacy and genetic discrimination.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs, aiming to tailor medication based on individual genomic information.

Cost of Sequencing

The expense associated with sequencing human genomes, which has significantly decreased over time due to advancements in technology.

Genome Assembly

The process of assembling the sequenced fragments of DNA into the complete genome.

Comparative Genomics

A field of study that analyzes the genomic features of different organisms to infer gene function and evolutionary relationships.

Tissue Specificity

The phenomenon where different cells in the body express their genes differently, leading to diverse cell types despite having the same DNA.