At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us?

1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock
2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
3. It is possible to develop disease resistant animal breeds.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

• The human genome was the first among all vertebrates to be fully sequenced, with thousands more being sequenced and mapped at various levels of detail up to 2012.
• The data generated from these efforts are utilized worldwide in biomedical science, forensics, anthropology, and other scientific fields.
• Genomic studies are expected to advance disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as provide new insights into many areas of biology, such as human evolution.
• However, it is important to note that despite significant progress in determining the arrangement and relative positions of genes and DNA sequences on chromosomes, this field still has a long way to go in fully understanding the underlying causes of all human diseases.