Lesson: The Human Genome Project Biology

In this lesson, we will learn how to discuss the aims and implications of the Human Genome Project.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

recall the definitions of the terms allele, gene, and genome,
state the primary aim of the Human Genome Project as identifying all of the genes within the human genome,
state the major accomplishments of the Human Genome Project as the identification of many human genes, including those related to genetic diseases, and the advancement of DNA sequencing techniques,
discuss the potential applications of the Human Genome Project to improve human health, including creating personalised medicines, predicting negative reactions to treatments, and predicting the likelihood of a person developing a genetic disease.

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

Which of the following best describes an allele?

Q2:

Roughly, what percentage of DNA bases are the same across all humans?

Q3:

Warfarin is a drug that is used to prevent blood clots from forming in the body. Some people have mutations in the enzyme that breaks down warfarin, which leads to dangerous side effects. What is the best way for doctors and scientists to determine who not to give warfarin to?