Discussion Questions - Answers
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Human Genome Project - Activity 1 - Discussion Questions
Human Genome Project - Activity 1 - Discussion Questions
Here are some points to consider, although none of these questions have clear right or wrong answers.
The Human Genome project was an expensive endeavor. Do the results justify the cost?
The Human Genome project was an expensive endeavor. Do the results justify the cost?
99% of the human genome has been sequenced. A number of diseases are better understood because of HGP. The cost was high, but not as expensive as originally planned. Governments spend money on projects like this without concern for problems such as homelessness and poverty.
The goal of the HGP was to sequence the entire human genome. Are there any other benefits of the HGP?
New or improved technologies in DNA sequencing have resulted from the HGP. Many other mammal genomes have been sequenced. There is a possibility of targeting genetic diseases with new drugs.
Scientists working on the HGP have slowly been lowering the predicted number of human genes. Why do you think this is happening? Why did scientists originally think that we had almost 100,000 genes?
Scientists originally thought more complex animals had more genes. As scientists run through the human genome, they are realizing that this does not necessarily hold true.
In 1998, Celera Genomics (a private company) wanted to sequence and patent the human genome. US President Clinton passed a law forbidding anyone from patenting the human genome. Do you agree with President Clinton or not? Why?
All of us possess the human genome, so no one should "own" it.
OR
Scientists have a right to patent intellectual property
OR
Scientists have a right to patent intellectual property