A. The Human Genome Project (HGP) was a monumental international scientific research project with the primary goal of determining the complete sequence of nucleotide base pairs that make up human DNA and of identifying and mapping all of the genes of the human genome. Launched in 1990 and officially completed in 2003, this ambitious undertaking involved thousands of scientists from across the globe and stands as one of the great feats of exploration in history, akin to the mapping of continents or the voyage to the Moon.
B. The project''s methodology involved breaking the entire human genome—which contains approximately three billion DNA base pairs—into smaller, manageable fragments. These fragments were then sequenced using automated machines, and the resulting data were painstakingly reassembled in the correct order using powerful computational tools. The result was a reference sequence, a blueprint of our genetic makeup that provides fundamental insights into what it means to be human from a biological perspective.
C. The completion of the Human Genome Project has had a revolutionary impact on medicine and biology. It has provided researchers with a comprehensive "parts list" of all human genes, accelerating the discovery of genes associated with numerous diseases, including various cancers, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington''s disease. This knowledge has paved the way for the development of more accurate diagnostic tests, new targeted therapies, and the emerging field of personalised medicine, where treatments can be tailored to an individual''s unique genetic profile.
D. Beyond medicine, the HGP has transformed our understanding of human evolution and our relationship to other species. By comparing the human genome with those of other organisms, from chimpanzees to fruit flies, scientists can trace evolutionary pathways and identify genes that have been conserved over millions of years. The project also raised important ethical, legal, and social issues regarding genetic privacy and discrimination, prompting discussions and policies to address these challenges. The legacy of the HGP is a wealth of publicly available data that continues to fuel scientific discovery and innovation across a vast range of disciplines.
IELTS Practice Tests Practice Test / Part 1 #123
IELTS Practice Tests Practice Test / Part 1 #208
