June 26, 2000 - the Human Genome(基因组) Project, a great $3 billion, 15-year task aimed at
drawing the genetic(遗传的) 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 policymakers 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(生物技术) have
provides material for all kinds of work, but the developments of modern science in unlocking the secrets
of the human genetic code 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, 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.

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

A. Because the human genome can help us live longer.
B. Because they wanted to be better known than others.
C. Because the human genome can provide a lot of money
D. Because the human genome's completion can help them get rid of many diseases.

2. 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.

3. Which country studied the genes most rapidly in the world?

A. Japan.  
C. The United States  .  
B. British England    
D. China.

4. We can conclude that the Human Genome Project can cause _______.

A. the policy makers to feel very happy.  
B. the scientists to work harder
C. many people to live longer.          
D. a lot of companies to produce many new drugs

5. What' the best title of the passage?

A. unlocking genetic code                     
B. the genes' discovery
C. human genome's science                    
D. the genes and the scientists