Sequencing the entire human genome was an ambitious project first proposed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and co-founded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Human Genome Project was successful, however, and the first draft sequence was, in fact, completed ahead of schedule, but for what purpose? Here are some of the ways science and mankind can benefit from knowing our entire DNA sequence:
Enormous advances in molecular medicine have already been made, based on identification of genetic varients linked to diseases (e.g. Parkinson's).
Improved accuracy of risk assessments for environmental exposures to chemicals, xenobiotics, radiation etc. based on their impact on gene sequences (e.g. Dirty Electricity).
The DOE can evaluate various energy sources based on their impact on human genetics.
Sequence knowledge will assist our interpretation of data collected in fields of anthropology and bioarchaeology, and contribute to theories on evolution and species migration.
Sequence data will aid forensic science particularly for identification of individuals.
Technologies developed for the human genome project may be applied to other species and become useful in agriculture for plant and animal breeding and in other biotechnological applications such as protein engineering and enzyme optimization, bioremediation and bioprocessing.
| 