RAS question
The Human Genome Project was completed in which year?
Correct answer: (D) 2003.
The Human Genome Project was completed in April 2003, after the draft human genome sequence released in 2000 was converted into a finished sequence.
Explanation
The answer is 2003 because Genome.gov records that the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium announced the successful completion of the Human Genome Project on April 14, 2003. The key exam trap is the difference between a draft and the finished sequence: the consortium had announced the first draft of the human sequence in June 2000, but researchers then worked to convert that draft into a finished sequence. The project involved sequencing the 3 billion DNA base pairs of the human genome and mapping approximately 20,000-25,000 human genes. By April 2003, the project goals had been met or surpassed, making 2003 the completion year, not 2000.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 2010 is too late because the cited Genome.gov page places the successful completion announcement in April 2003.
- (B) 2000 refers to the first draft of the human genome sequence, while the finished sequence was completed in 2003.
- (C) 1998 falls while the project was still ongoing, before even the June 2000 draft sequence mentioned by Genome.gov.
Concept
This tests a standard Science and Technology landmark-project timeline: candidates must separate the Human Genome Project's draft milestone from its final completion. It recurs in RAS because genomics is a high-yield biotechnology area where exam setters often use close dates as traps.