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Ch. 18 - Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Proteomics
Klug - Essentials of Genetics 10th Edition
Klug10th EditionEssentials of GeneticsISBN: 9780135588789Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 18, Problem 13

Through the Human Genome Project (HGP), a relatively accurate human genome sequence was published from combined samples from multiple individuals. It serves as a reference for a haploid genome. How do results from personal genome projects (PGP) differ from those of the HGP?

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1
Understand that the Human Genome Project (HGP) produced a reference genome sequence representing a composite haploid genome derived from multiple individuals, serving as a general template for human DNA.
Recognize that personal genome projects (PGP) sequence the genome of a single individual, capturing the unique genetic variations specific to that person.
Note that PGP results include individual-specific variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and structural variations that may not be present in the HGP reference genome.
Consider that PGP data can reveal information about personal ancestry, disease risk, and drug response, reflecting the genetic diversity and heterogeneity among humans, which the HGP reference does not fully represent.
Summarize that while the HGP provides a standard reference sequence, PGP results highlight individual genetic differences, making them more personalized and variable compared to the consensus sequence of the HGP.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

The HGP was an international research effort that produced a reference sequence of the human genome by combining DNA from multiple individuals. This reference represents a consensus haploid genome, serving as a standard for genetic studies but not reflecting individual genetic variation.
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Personal Genome Projects (PGP)

PGPs focus on sequencing the complete genome of individual people, capturing their unique genetic variations. Unlike the HGP reference, PGP results reveal personal differences such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and structural variants that contribute to individual traits and disease risks.
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Genetic Variation and Its Implications

Genetic variation refers to differences in DNA sequences among individuals. Understanding these variations is crucial for personalized medicine, as they influence susceptibility to diseases, drug responses, and other traits. PGPs highlight this diversity, whereas the HGP provides a generalized baseline.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Describe the human genome in terms of genome size, the percentage of the genome that codes for proteins, how much is composed of repetitive sequences, and how many genes it contains. Describe two other features of the human genome.

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Textbook Question

Recall that when the HGP was completed, more than 40 percent of the genes identified had unknown functions. The PANTHER database provides access to comprehensive and current functional assignments for human genes (and genes from other species).

Go to http://www.pantherdb.org/data/. In the frame on the left side of the screen locate the 'Quick links' and use the 'Whole genome function views' link to a view of a pie chart of current functional classes for human genes. Mouse over the pie chart to answer these questions. What percentage of human genes encode transcription factors? Cytoskeletal proteins? Transmembrane receptor regulatory/adaptor proteins?

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Textbook Question

The Human Genome Project has demonstrated that in humans of all races and nationalities approximately 99.9 percent of the genome sequence is the same, yet different individuals can be identified by DNA fingerprinting techniques. What is one primary variation in the human genome that can be used to distinguish different individuals? Briefly explain your answer.

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Textbook Question

Explain differences between whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES), and describe advantages and disadvantages of each approach for identifying disease-causing mutations in a genome. Which approach was used for the Human Genome Project?

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Textbook Question

Describe the significance of the Genome 10K project.

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Textbook Question

It can be said that modern biology is experiencing an 'omics' revolution. What does this mean? Explain your answer.

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