The Human Genome(基因组) Project, a great $3 billion, 15-year task aimed at drawing the genetic map of humans, is now more than 90 percent completed. The scientific and medical communities are very excited about the chances genetic research provides for getting rid of diseases and prolonging(延长)human life. But those communities and policy makers are also careful about the scientific door they are opening as the project uncovers the mysteries of life.
For the last few years, the genetic advances in the fast developing field of biotechnology have provided material for all kinds of work, but the developments of modern science in unlocking the secrets of human genetic code have opened a world of possibilities for human health, as well as for the population imagination.
While European and Japanese researchers are making rapid progress in decoding human DNA, the leading organization for genetic research in the Untied States, which began in 1990, is “unlocking the code” of the human body to learn how to defeat fatal diseases. Already, the Human Genome Project has become widely known and praised for finding the genes connected with as yet terrible diseases, and making progress toward separating the genes that show a sign of breast cancer(乳腺癌)or AIDS.
Once these genes are found and studied, researchers can develop new ways to attack infections, and genetic diseases. Medical companies are very interested in mapping the human genome, as they expect to develop a lot of new drugs for these illnesses.
小题1:Why did the scientists work so hard at mapping the human genome?
A．Because the human genome can destroy many illnesses.
B．Because the human genome’s completion can help to get rid of many diseases.
C．Because they wanted to be better known than others.
D．Because the Human Genome Project can provided a lot of chances of work.小题2:According to the passage, which of the following countries is the most advanced in genetic research?
A．Japan
B．Germany
C．The United States
D．China小题3:According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?
A．If the genes can be found, scientists can study many new ways to cure illnesses.
B．The United States began genetic research early in the 19th century.
C．Many medical companies show great interest in drawing the human genome map.
D．The scientists have made great progress in connecting some genes with the cancers.小题4:What is mainly talked about in this passage?
A．The great human genome.
B．The discovery of genes.
C．Unlocking the genetic code.
D．Genes and scientists.
