The human genome project explained

This online version of a US Department of Energy publication provides detailed background information about the human genome project.

Primer on molecular genetics

Maintained by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.

Website: Primer on molecular genetics

Topics: Genome studies, Genetics, Medicine

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://genomebiology.com/2000/1/1/reports/215

Report date:	4 November 1999
Published:	17 March 2000

Genome Biology 2000, 1:reports215

Content

This online version of a US Department of Energy publication provides detailed background information about the human genome project. The site would be useful for undergraduates and researchers looking for background information on genome sequencing technologies. It is authoritative and covers a lot of ground, including sequencing and mapping technologies and informatics. It touches on the impact of human genome sequencing on medicine and biological research. There is a particularly good glossary, and the 44-page publication can be downloaded in PDF format.

Navigation

The site has a straightforward two-tiered structure, and it is very easy to find your way to the section you are interested in. A 'next page' button at the bottom of each page makes movement through the site easy. But the glossary link is not a direct one and first takes you to a blank intermediate page, and there is no search facility.

Reporter's comments

Timeliness

The booklet was published in June 1992 and the website was last updated in June 1997.

Worst feature

The booklet has been transferred directly onto the website and so does not take advantage of being published online The graphics are of poor quality, both esthetically and as explanations of the text, and are taken directly from the paper publication.