Summary
The international effort completed in 2003 to sequence all human DNA, about three billion base pairs.
In depth
13-year effort (1990 to 2003) costing about 3 billion dollars; the telomere-to-telomere assembly in 2022 completed remaining gaps. About 20,000 protein-coding genes. Cost of sequencing a genome has fallen below 1,000 dollars.
It used hierarchical shotgun sequencing of BAC clones, in parallel with Celera's whole-genome shotgun. Open data release shaped science. The ELSI programme studied ethical, legal and social issues.
Example: the genome contains about 3 billion base pairs but only about 1.5 percent codes for protein.
Frequently asked questions
What is Human Genome Project?
The international effort completed in 2003 to sequence all human DNA, about three billion base pairs.
Which area of biology covers Human Genome Project, and how advanced is it?
Human Genome Project is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Genomics, Next-Generation Sequencing, Comparative Genomics.
Can you give an example of Human Genome Project?
It enabled personalised medicine and GWAS.
What should I learn before Human Genome Project?
Human Genome Project is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics that pair well with it include Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding.
What topics are related to Human Genome Project?
The closest topics to Human Genome Project are Genomics, Next-Generation Sequencing, Comparative Genomics, Gene Cloning Workflow. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Human Genome Project?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Human Genome Project. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Human Genome Project different from Genomics?
Human Genome Project: The international effort completed in 2003 to sequence all human DNA, about three billion base pairs. Genomics: Study of the full set of genes of an organism and how they interact. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Human Genome Project step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Genomics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.