Non-Human Genomes

The studies on model organisms other than humans will help us understand the functions of human genes. For a simple example, remember that most organisms use the same basic metabolic pathways to release energy. Understanding how these pathways function in "simple" organisms will help us understand how these same pathways have changed in more complicated organisms.

There is also more sequencing research being conducted on organisms that are not part of the Human Genome Project. A visit to the Human Genome Project Information website will illustrate how much research is being conducted on other organisms.

• How many organisms are currently having their genomes studied?
• Why do you think scientists restricted the HGP to these six organisms: Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cervisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and the laboratory mouse?
• After you look at the list of other organisms that are being studied, which ones would you add to the HGP effort? Defend your answer.

Here is something for you to consider: Ninety percent of your genes are also found in a mouse.

• How could you use these data to argue with scientists who feel that the mouse is not a good surrogate for medical research?

So how do we compare to the nematode?