Research and Applications

The study of DNA is still under way, and the results of such research are being applied in many disciplines. The Human Genome Project in the United States is a federally funded effort to determine the sequence of bases of the three billion pairs of nucleotides composing the human genetic material. The project will make possible the analysis of the mutations that cause genetic diseases and so will provide information needed to develop medicines and procedures for treating these diseases.
Forensic science uses techniques developed in DNA research to identify individuals and identify suspects who have committed crimes. DNA from semen, skin, or blood taken from a crime scene can be compared with the DNA of a victim or suspect, and the results can be used in court as evidence.