How the Human Genome was sequenced
- Type:
- Flash animation
- Age level:
- 17-18 yrs (A2)
- Topic area:
- Genetics, gene technology, sequencing genomes, HGP
- Description:
A short Flash animation offering: a brief introduction to DNA and genomes; an overview of which countries were involved in the international Human Genome Project; and a description of the processes, biological principles and techniques involved in sequencing the human genome.
This animation can be used when discussing the Human Genome Project and the outcomes of this international collaboration. It can be also used to illustrate how scientific techniques can be derived from natural biological processes; this animation demonstrates how the principles of the Sanger sequencing method are derived from the natural process of DNA replication.
It also demonstrates how recombinant DNA techniques were used in the Human Genome Project to clone DNA sections for sequencing.
Running the animation:
- You can run the animation in two different ways:
- Browser: Launch the animation from this page by clicking the icon below.
- Standalone: This animation may be downloaded and run without internet access - see Support Materials.
- Technical information:
- Adobe Flash player plugin is required to run this animation from the browser.
- There is no audio with this animation.
[Flash v8, 1.2MB]Support Links:
Related items:
Curriculum links:
This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum.
Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.
Web links:
Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base on DNA, gene s and genomes.
Related videos:
Short interview clips with leading scientists in the field of genomics answering some key questions on the Human Genome Project. These can be used in conjunction with the animation to stimulate discussion in class or to help answer any questions that may arise.
