Human Genome Project-Lesson Notes
The Human Genome Project (HGP) was completed in 2003. It was a 13 year project
coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health.
In the early stages of the project Wellcome Trust in the United Kingdom became
major partners in the investigation. Later contributions came from Japan, France,
Germany, China and other countries.
The main goals of the project were
 Identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA
 Determine sequences of 3 billion base pairs that make up the human DNA
 Store all of the information into appropriate databases
 Improve the tools for data analysis
 Transfer the related technologies to the private sector
 Address the ethical, legal and social implications arising from the project.
Even though the project is now complete analysis of the gathered data will continue
for years.
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During this lesson we will look at the important stages of the HGP. Creating a
time line of important discoveries.
We will discuss the health, genetics and evolutionary benefits of the HGP
Ethical, social and legal issues will be investigated and discussed
The information gathered will be used to identify areas open to debate and
important data required to justify view points on mapping the human genome.
The lesson will begin with a small power point presentation to introduce the concept
of gene mapping and the Human Genome Project.
Questions will be asked of students to gain insight into their understanding of the
HGP.
What is the HGP?
Where have you heard about it?
How has the HGP been presented in the media?
What benefits do you think could be gained from mapping the human genome?
This lesson will allow students to gather process and interpret information from
internet sites in order to gain an understanding of the HGP its uses, benefits and the
ethical, legal and social implications associated with analysis and interpretation of the
human genome information.
At this point students will be provided with a handout outlining the group activities
and the worksheet. Each student will be required to read all of the group tasks in order
to establish the outcomes of the activity as a whole (this will also prevent students just
looking at their task as a single entity).
The group research will only take a small portion of the class time (see lesson plan),
allowing for power point presentations and posters to be produced.
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Following the group web quests each of the 6 groups will present their findings in 2
ways
 Power point presentation
 Poster display
This will allow the students to answer the questions on the worksheet provided and
provide 2 ways of covering all aspects of the required information. Other groups can
use the poster information to finalise worksheets and gather all of the information
related to the topic.
The presentations and posters will be presented at the next lesson with 10 minutes
provided at the start of the class for finalising work.
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Resources List -The Human Genome Project
Each student will be provided with the handout titled;
Human genome Project Group Web Investigation.
Laptop computers.
Cardboard for posters.
Scissors, glue, pipe cleaners, ribbons, buttons, cellophane, craft paper,
glitter, ribbon and textas.
Biology text- Spotlight Biology
Heinemann Biology
Master copy of web site home pages
Newspaper articles
Question and answer sheet to complete during power point presentations.
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The Human Story- Group Web Investigation
“The Human Genome Project”
o Process information from secondary sources to outline the purpose
of The Human Genome Project (HGP) and briefly discuss its
implications (outcome H12.4).
o Students will form into 6 groups of 4 (based on 24 students).
o Each group will have a different task as set out below.
o At the completion of the investigation each group will;
1. Present their findings to the entire class as a power point
presentation including references.
2. Submit a poster detailing the important findings from your
investigation. This will include drawings, photos and short
summaries in writing (be creative with your design craft
supplies are provided including glue, scissors, pipe cleaners,
craft paper, cellophane, glitter, ribbon, wool, buttons and textas).
o The power point presentations will be performed next lesson.
o Web sites for the investigation are listed however; you are entitled
to access other appropriate web sites, books or secondary sources.
Web sites:
National Human Genome Research Institute
hhtp://www.genome.gov/25019879
Human Genome Organisation
hhtp://www.hugo-international.org/
Human Genome Project Information
hhtp://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml
These sites all have further links for your use.
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Please read the activities for each group before commencing. This
will ensure that your group does not overlap or repeat information
required by a different group.
GROUP 1- What is the Human Genome Project (HGP)?
Provide the class with an overview of the HGP. Discuss the background
information for establishing this world wide project. Discuss where and
when the project started, important findings and current status.
GROUP 2- Formulate a timeline including the major events which led to
the gene map which is available today.
GROUP 3- Discuss the overall benefits of the HGP for world genetics.
GROUP 4- Discuss the overall benefits of the HGP for evolution.
GROUP 5- Discuss the overall benefits of the HGP for human health.
Include major genetic discoveries and link them to benefits for medical
research.
GROUP 6- Discuss the main ethical, legal, and social implications which
arise from the HGP. Present all 3 (ethical, legal and social) in your
presentations.
Question Sheet provided to complete as the power point presentations are
performed (see over).
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Question sheet-The Human Genome Project
Teacher copy with potential answers
(complete during the web investigations or during power point
presentations and by gathering information from the final group posters
displayed around the room).
1. Briefly describe The Human Genome Project.
A 13 year project coordinated by the US Department of Energy and
the National Institutes of Health to identify all of the genes in Human
DNA(approximately 20,000-25,000). To determine the sequences of
the 3billion chemical base pairs making up human DNA, store the
new information in databases, improve the tools required for analysis,
transfer the related technologies to the private sector and address the
ethical, legal and social issues which would arise from the project.
2. List the useful websites and texts for revision of this topic.
Web sites:
National Human Genome Research Institute
hhtp://www.genome.gov/25019879
Human Genome Organisation
hhtp://www.hugo-international.org/
Human Genome Project Information
hhtp://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml
These sites all have further links for your use.
(Heinemann Biology, Spotlight Biology, Web sites provided for the
web quest)
3. Provide one ethical issue which may arise from information in the
HGP. ( Health funds could potentially make decisions about
member criteria based on their DNA and potential genetic diseases)
4. What do scientists need to ensure about the information gained
from the HGP. (Genetic information is used for the benefit of
humans and no person is being harmed).
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5. List some of the benefits of mapping the human gene. Include
information from your group investigations. (i.e. human health,
genetics and evolution).
improvements in diagnosing disease, early detection of genetic
predisposition to a disease (eg colon cancer, Alzheimer’s and breast
cancer), gene therapy, drug design, less disease treatment and more
disease prevention.
Use biogenics to produce biofuels necessary as fossil fuels decrease.
To reduce the likelihood of inheritable mutations. Study of evolution
through germ line mutations. Study population migration based on
female genetic inheritance. Study sex linked mutations. Crime scene
investigation. Match organ donors with recipients for transplants.
Determine pedigrees for seed and livestock breeds. To detect bacteria
pollutants of air, soil and water. Many more benefits exist.
6. Discuss some of the ethical, legal and social issues arising from
obtaining detailed genetic information.
 Privacy and confidentiality of the information. Who owns it?
 Fairness of access to the information. Who should have
access to the data? Courts, adoption agencies, the military,
schools, employers and insurers.
 Psychological impact i.e. will society form perceptions of
individuals with genetic differences?
 Reproduction, will society make decisions about
reproducing based on genetic information?
 Clinical issues- how will accurate, reliable and useful testing
be guaranteed? How do we prepare the public to make
informed choices?
 Uncertainties- some diseases like heart disease are linked to
multiple genes. Will this affect decisions about genetic
information? Should parents have children tested for old
onset diseases? Should the test be performed if there is no
available treatment for the disease?
7. Draw a timeline showing the major breakthroughs in mapping
the human gene.
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Human Genome Project Timeline of major events
2004
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Human gene count estimates completed, 25, 000
2003
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Human chromosome 6,7,Y & 14 Completed
Human Genome Project Completed
2002
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Mouse genome draft published
2001
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Human chromosome 20 finished
2000
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HGP leaders announce the completion of a ‘WORKING DRAFT” DNA sequence of
the human DNA
Chromosome 21, 5, 16 & 19 completed
1999
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First Human chromosome completely sequenced on Dec 1st.
1998
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Gene Map containing 35,000 markers was released.
Hospital in Canada working with data base to diagnose children
Mycobacterium tuberculosis sequenced.
1997
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E. coli genome sequenced
NIH NCHGR BECOMES Human Genome Project Institute
Maps of chromosome 7 & X completed
1996
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Sequence of human T cell receptor region completed.
1995
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1994
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First whole genome sequenced for Haemophilius influenzae
Genetic mapping 5 yr goal achieved 1 year early.
Completed 2nd generation clone libraries.
1992
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Low resolution map of entire human genome published.
1991
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Human chromosome mapping data repository set up.
1990
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The 15 year project formally begins.
Projects begin to start formally mapping sites of mRNA expression.
Prior to 1990 formal meetings were held from 1983 to commence the project.
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