The Human Genome Project How much of who we are is determined by our genes? How similar are the genes of people living in different parts of the world? Which diseases are genetic? The findings of the Human Genome Project, begun in 1990, will help answer these questions and many others. To find the answers, scientists collected blood, hair, skin cell, and saliva samples of people from all over the world. They then retrieved the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from these samples, which is found in the body's 46 chromosomes. Scientists involved in the project have already finished mapping, or "sequencing," DNA molecules, showing the location of genes. Now that the sequencing is finished, researchers have begun the long process of analyzing the results to find out how these genes function. To scientists, this analysis is like Europe's discovery of the New World.

Scientists' findings so far are both surprising and promising. One of the unexpected findings is that it turns out people have far fewer genes than scientists thought. Before the project, the scientific world had assumed that there were 100,000 genes in the human body responsible for not only physical characteristics like hair and eye color but also certain behaviors and aptitudes. However, there are in fact only 34,000 genes. This means that there is more at work than just genes in determining why one person commits a crime and another is good at music or sports.

Another interesting finding is that although groups of people around the world may look different, they are actually very similar genetically. For instance, there is only a very small number of genes accountable for the difference in skin color.

Some of the most hopeful research coming out of the project relates to the study of disease. When the project first began, the medical world knew of about 100 human disease genes. Because of the project, scientists have identified more than 1400 disease genes so far for such conditions as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and certain forms of colon and breast cancer. By studying how these genes work, medical researchers can try to improve treatments. This could include developing more effective medicines as well as manipulating the genes themselves to cure or even prevent illness. Since scientists have already mapped the genomes of other organisms, including the mouse, rat, and fruit fly, they can now compare these to the human genome to learn how different organisms evolve, react to disease, and respond to environmental pollutants.

Part A:

Select the statement that best describes how the author's point of view develops over the course of the text.

A) The author starts out the text by championing the Human Genome Project, but by the end of the text, the author seems confused by the entire idea of the project.

B) The author starts out the text by championing the Human Genome Project and then carefully supports his reasoning for why the project is worthwhile for humans.

C) The author starts out the text with a disapproving point of view and maintains it throughout the text as he points out how much controversy the project is raising in the scientific community.

Part B:

Which detail from the text best supports your answer for part A?

A) The findings of the Human Genome Project, begun in 1990, will help answer these questions and many others. To find the answers, scientists collected blood, hair, skin cell, and saliva samples of people from all over the world.

B) When the project first began, the medical world knew of about 100 human disease genes. Because of the project, scientists have identified more than 1400 disease genes...

C) By studying how these genes work, medical researchers can try to improve treatments. This could include developing more effective medicines as well as manipulating the genes themselves to cure or even prevent illness.