The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project

The idea of the human genome project was to find out what every single human gene did. Human DNA is made up of 3 million base pairs which makes 30 000 genes and therefore forms 23 chromosomes.

The advantages is that it could help predict and prevent diseases as doctors would know that someone has a certain gene that would increase their chances of catching the disease. They could give the person regular checks to diagnose and treat it early as well as advising them on the best lifestyle and diet to avoid the disease. Knowing what causes a disease makes it easier for medicines to target it and make medicines designed for that particular gene. Some disease such as Alzheimer’s is hard to test for but if you know the genetic cause , accurate and reliable testing would become a lot easier because it is a lot easier treating someone if you know what disease they have.

On the contrary the disadvantages that MIGHT HAPPEN is it will cause a lot of stress as someone will know from an early age that they are vulnerable to a disease. They may never get it but they will panic every time they are ill or get a headache. Also people with genetic problems may find it harder to have relationships and are under pressure not to have children because they might catch the life- threatening disease. Life insurance may be impossible to get or very expensive if you have a chance of catching a genetic disease. You may be discriminated by employers and insurers and work will be harder to obtain. Finally “designer babies” will be created as doctors will be able to control exactly what genes are passed on to a baby. People may not want their offspring to catch diseases, wear glasses or have other traits and characteristics which they may dislike. Everyone will have to make their babies more perfect or they won’t fit in with the disease- immune, perfect babies.

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