The Human Genome Project

What was the Human Genome Project?

An international scientific project that determined and mapped the sequence of human DNA.

What was a major outcome of the Human Genome Project?

It provided a reference sequence for the human genome and helped identify genes and genetic variation.

How can genome information help diagnose genetic diseases?

It can help identify genetic variants associated with inherited conditions.

How could genome information support personalised medicine?

Treatments and medicine choices may be tailored to a person's genetic information.

How can genome information help develop new medicines?

It can help researchers understand disease-related genes and identify potential drug targets.

How can genome information help predict disease risk?

It can identify some inherited variants associated with an increased risk of particular diseases.

What is one limitation or concern associated with genome information?

Genetic information raises concerns about privacy, discrimination and how results should be interpreted.

Does having a genetic risk variant guarantee that a person will develop a disease?

No. Risk can also depend on other genes, environmental factors and lifestyle.