Biotechnology: Dna and Human Genome Project Essay

Submitted By vithibithi
Words: 338
Pages: 2

1. Discuss the significance of the human genome project
The Human Genome Project (HGP) was one of the great feats of exploration in history - an inward voyage of discovery rather than an outward exploration of the planet or the cosmos; an international research effort to sequence and map all of the genes - together known as the genome - of members of our species. The HGP gave us the ability to read nature's complete genetic blueprint for building a human being.

2. Describe some benefits and problems and some social and ethical issues of using biotechnology including the following: o
GM foods
Advantage:
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Greater production of food especially for developing countries would allow these countries to produce enough food for their population.
Produce may reach the consumer in better condition with less spoilage.

Disadvantage:
-

o transgenic species o
DNA fingerprinting o
Artificial selection o
Cloning
o
Genetic engineering

Arguments for:
Greater production of food especially for developing countries would allow these countries to produce enough food for their population.
Not just the quantity of the food but also better quality foods are produced.
Less chemicals on crops is better for the environment so for example if cotton can be bred that needs fewer sprays it saves money and prevents the spray drifting into the neighbouring bushland. Vaccines can be produced in plants for better human health outcomes.
Arguments against:
● The