Question

Some of the important goals of HGP are given below. Choose the correct goal of HGP.

• A. ( \text{Identify approximately 20,000 - 30,000 genes in human DNA.} )
• B. ( \text{Determine the sequence of two billion chemical base pairs of human DNA.} )
• C. ( \text{Trace human history and disease associated sequences.} )
• D. ( \text{Address the ethical, legal and social issues that may arise from the project.} ) \

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an ambitious international research effort launched with the primary goal of determining the complete sequence of the human genome. Several key objectives were set for this project. Option correctly identifies one of the major goals: to identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA. Option is incorrect as the HGP aimed to determine the sequence of approximately 3 billion (not 2 billion) chemical base pairs that make up human DNA. Option describes applications and potential outcomes of having the complete human genome sequence, rather than a primary goal of the project itself. While the knowledge gained from HGP is used to trace human history and understand disease associations, it wasn't a primary goal in the initial stages. Option refers to ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications) research program that ran parallel to the HGP. Addressing these issues was crucial due to the potential societal impact of the project, but it was a separate component, not a primary goal of sequencing the genome itself. Therefore, the correct goal of the HGP among the given options is to identify approximately 20,000 - 30,000 genes in human DNA.