Each individual has an identity that is due to one’s genetic makeup. No two individuals are similar (except mono-zygote twins) because they differ in their genetic make-up.GenomeDiffer­ences in genetic make-up are due to differences in nucleotide sequences of their DNAs. It was, therefore, always an ambition of scientists to map human genome. Advances in genetic engineering techniques made it possible to isolate and clone DNA pieces and determine nucleotide sequences of these fragments.

Therefore, in 1990, U.S. Department of Energy and National Institute of Health embarked and coordinated on the project of sequencing human genome called HGP or Human Genome Project. Welcome Trust (UK) joined the project as a major partner. Later on Japan, France, Germany, China and some other countries also joined it.

HGP is a mega project involving a lot of money, most advanced techniques, numerous computers and scientists at work. The magnitude of the project can be imagined that if the cost of sequencing a bp is 3 dollars, sequencing of Зх 109 bp would cost a billion dollars. If the data is to be stored in books, with each book having 1000 pages and each page with 1000 letters, some 3300 books will be required. Here bioinformatics data basing and other high speed computational devices have helped in analysis, storage and retrieval of informa­tion.

Goals:HGP had set the following goals. 1. Determine the sequence and number of all the base pairs in the human genome.

2. Identify all the genes present in human genome.

3. Determine the functions of all the genes.

4. Identify the various genes that cause genetic disorders.

5. Determine genetic proneness and immunity to various disorders.

6. Store the information in data bases.

7. Improve tools for data analysis.

8. Find out possibilities of transfer of technology developed during HGP to industry.

9. The project may result in many ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) which must be addressed and solved.