Human Genome Project?

Question

Why is the Human Genome Project important to medical research?

Answer 1

Since many could write for pages on this and I suspect that isn't what you're looking for, here is a bumper sticker version:

Aside from our environment ("nurture"), genes and their expression makes us who we are ("nature"). They determine everything from the color of our eyes to whether we have a 2% chance as opposed to an 85% chance of getting many diseases.

Right now, we only know of genetic triggers and components of a handful of diseases, but there are probably many, many more we don't yet know. Once you identify, for example, a particular gene that when faulty leaves someone without an important substance which leads to a disease, you can design a treatment for that disease which you could not possibly have done otherwise. Sometimes it means replacing the substance, or maybe even designing a customized virus to fix the defective gene so it works right.

Identifying and understanding all human genes is going to lead to an understanding of and an ability to cure disease like never before.

Answer 2

I think that should read, Why WAS the Human Genome Project important to medical research?
for finding what genes are responsible for illnesses due to genetics.

Answer 3

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/journals/insights.html