you think it takes to describe How many Genes do you think it takes to describe a human being? Answer: Roughly 30,000 (for basics) Remember – every gene is one tiny characteristic!

Most information has come from the How do scientists know this? http://genomics.energy.gov/gallery/logos/gallery-01.html Most information has come from the Human Genome Project.

The HGP was a huge project to collect all the genetic information for a human being. http://golondon.about.com/od/londonpictures/ig/Front-Page-Exhibition/Human-DNA-Mapped.htm

Every gene (characteristic) has been examined and written out in the code of Chemical Bases we call DNA. http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/ahp/BioInfo/graphics/GP.GeneticCode.GIF

Genetic Engineers have then compared different pieces of code from different people and found what each gene is responsible for. E.g. Hair or eye colour. http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/images/en/9344-genes-picture.jpg

They are now using this info They are now using this info. to identify the damaged genes that cause inherited diseases.

The plan is to identify the faulty genes, then swap or remove them from the cells completely - so no genetic disorders! http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/april2007/04232007saliva.htm

Questions to Consider. 1) Are genetic disabilities diseases Questions to Consider... 1) Are genetic disabilities diseases? Do they need to be cured or prevented? (D/C grade) 2) If the Human Genome Project can tell us exactly what our children would look like, would you use it to choose their characteristics? (C/B grade) 3) If you could screen your reproductive cells for any faulty genes, would you? Give a reason why you would or wouldn’t do this. (B/A* grade)

Typical IAA question Why are computers used to collect information on the human genome and genetic disorders? Write three benefits in your book.

Acceptable answers... Faster than by hand. Can compare lots of data at once. Can identify faulty genes quicker. Will not miss any faults unlike a human reader – no human error. Can store all the information and fetch it again very quickly.

Base Gene Human Genome Project Sequence DNA Strand Genetic Disorder