The human genome is thought to contain about how many genes?

• A. 1,000–2,000
• B. 4,000–6,000
• C. 13,000–15,000
• D. 50,000–100,000
• E. 20,000–25,000

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the human genome refers to the complete set of DNA in humans, including all of its genes.
2. Recognize that genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which perform most life functions.
3. Recall that earlier estimates of the number of genes in the human genome were higher, but more recent research has refined these numbers.
4. Consider that the human genome project and subsequent studies have provided more accurate estimates of the number of genes.
5. Note that the current scientific consensus is that the human genome contains approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes.