Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project(HGP) is a U.S. government project with the goal of mapping the entire genetic structure of humans. The project has raised a host of ethical issues and has complicated existing ethical topics involving genetics. Among these issues are those surrounding both prenatal and adult genetic testing, the proper use of genetic information and genetic profiling, gene therapy, gene patents, genetic enhancement of individuals, and issues involving the just distribution of genetic resources.

A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity. It is a nucleotide (a sequence of DNA) that contains instructions for making proteins, the basis of cellular structure and metabolism. The genome refers to the DNA contained in each cell, including so-called junk DNA (more than 98% of DNA), which does not ...