The Human Genome Project began in October 1990. The goal of the project is to sequence the entire human genome (all the DNA in a cell). The potential benefits of this information are numerous. In the area of medicine, nearly 3,000 human diseases have been identified as having a genetic link. By sequencing the human genome, it may be possible to improve disease diagnosis, detect genetic diseases earlier, and develop new drugs and gene therapies. Other potential benefits include: accurately assessing risks due to chemicals and other environmental factors; increasing knowledge about human evolution and migration; identifying individuals who are crime or disaster victims; and establishing the guilt or innocence of suspected criminals.

The term genome refers to all of the genetic material contained in an organism. Genetic material is deoxyribonucleic acid, abbreviated DNA. DNA exists as a double-stranded, spiral-shaped molecule. The molecule is often called...