Question

June 26, 2000 — 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 also are 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 developing field of biotechnology have provides material for all kinds of work, but the developments of modern science in unlocking the secrets of the human genetic code(密码) have opened a world of possibilities for human health, as well as for the popular imagination.

While European and Japanese researchers are making rapid progress in decoding(解码) human DNA, the leading organization for genetic research is in the United 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 terrible diseases as yet(迄今), and making progress toward separating the genes that show a sign of breast cancer 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.

Why did the scientists work hard at mapping the human genome?

A. Because the human genome can destroy many illnesses.

B. Because the human genome's completion can help them get rid of many diseases.

C. Because they wanted to be better known than others.

D. Because the human genome can provide a lot of chances of work.

Which country studied the genes most rapidly in the world?

A. Japan.        B. Germany.          C. The United States.     D. China.

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 scientists have made great progress in connecting the genes with the cancers.

C. Many medical companies show great interest in drawing the human genome map.

D. The United States began the Genes Study early in the 19th century.

The author suggests that the Human Genome Project can cause _______.

A. the policy makers to feel very worried and careful

B. the scientists to work harder

C. many people to find work easily

D. a lot of companies to produce many new drugs

The main idea of this article is about _______.

A. unlocking genetic code

B. the genes' discovery

C. the great human genome

D. the genes and the scientists

Answer 1

【小题1】B

【小题2】C

【小题3】D

【小题4】B

【小题5】A

解析:

绘制人类基因组图，这将意味着人类消灭癌症、艾滋病的危害，延长人类寿命将成为现实。

【小题1】语义理解题。从文章最后一段第1句话Once these genes are found and studied, researchers can develop new ways to attack infections(传染), and genetic diseases 可以看出科学家们完成人类基因组图的目的。

【小题2】细节题。因为 …the leading organization for genetic research is in the United States,所以答案选 C。

【小题3】判断题。美国是在 1990 年，即 20 世纪末开始绘制人类基因组图的，所以选项D 不对。

【小题4】判断题。从文章内容可知，人类基因组图的完成将有助于科学家们攻克一系列难关。所以，他们在更努力地探究。

【小题5】主旨题。综合文章内容，不难概括出本文主旨：解读基因密码。