Human Genome

• Aims of human genome

  1. Identify all genes found in human genome
  2. Determine sequences of base pairs that make up human DNA
  3. Find functions of diff genes
  4. Publish results on public database
• using HGP to make personalised medicine

  • scientists identify genes/proteins involved in a disease
  • make drugs specific to that protein
  • Gene sequence varies for all of us
  • so one drug will not be effective for everyone
  • so drugs companies use this specific to a mutation

  ORRRRR

  • Use genetic info
  • to predict how drugs act
  • to use only effective drugs
• Social issues human genome/personalised medicine

  • Job discrimination
  • Discrimination by companies on insurance
  • Psychologically damaging to tell someone a drug wont work on them
  • Increase cost of medicine -> 2 tiered system, only rich ppl can afford drugs
• Ethical issue of human genome/personalised medicine

  • Pressure to not have kids/ terminate pregnancies
  • pressure for germ line therapy
  • designer babies (parents pick them to have specific traits)
  • embryos have no say