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Ch. 21 - Genomic Analysis
Klug - Concepts of Genetics  12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 21, 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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