Gene Mapping & Study | Anthropology Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• The Human Genome Project (HGP) was officially launched in October 1990 in the United States, with the support of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Health (NIH). This groundbreaking project was initially estimated to cost $3 billion and take 15 years to complete. However, the first draft sequence, covering approximately 90% of the human genome, was announced on June 26, 2000, a year ahead of schedule. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the advancement of science and technology.
• The then US President, Bill Clinton, described the HGP as "the most important and most wondrous map ever produced by humankind." The draft sequence laid the foundation for developing a high-quality, finished sequence of human DNA, which would prove invaluable for researchers in identifying genes associated with various diseases. The final, high-quality DNA reference sequence was expected to be completed by 2003, two years earlier than initially planned, and possibly even sooner. The year 2003 also marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA structure by James Dewey Watson and Francis Harry Compton Crick.
• Discoveries resulting from the analysis of genetic sequences are expected to significantly improve our understanding of both good health and diseases. This new knowledge has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of most human diseases. Scientists from various countries are currently working on developing tools and applications using this data, which can be applied in diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, bioremediation, and industrial enzymology.
• The draft sequence can be compared to a collection of parts of a functional device, with a rough idea of how to assemble them. It contains gaps and errors, but it still provides scientists with a roadmap that covers around 90% of the genes on every chromosome. All the data generated by the Human Genome Project (HGP) has been made publicly available on the internet.

Conclusion

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was a groundbreaking initiative that successfully mapped the human genome ahead of schedule, providing invaluable information for researchers in various fields, particularly in understanding health and diseases. The project has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments and has applications in other fields such as agriculture and bioremediation. The draft sequence, though not perfect, offers a roadmap for scientists to further study and develop tools based on this data, which has been made publicly available for the benefit of the global scientific community.