What percentage of the human genome is known to code for functional products?

• A. Less than 1%
• B. Less than 2%
• C. About 5%
• D. About 10%

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is less than 2%. This reflects the understanding that the majority of the human genome does not directly code for proteins, which are often considered functional products.

About 1-2% of the human genome is actively involved in coding for proteins that perform various biological functions, such as enzymes, structural components, and hormones. The rest of the genome consists of non-coding regions, which include introns (non-coding parts within genes), regulatory elements (that influence gene expression), and various repetitive DNA sequences whose functions may still be subjects of active research.

The idea that a small percentage of the genome is responsible for coding has significant implications in genetics and biotechnology, underscoring the complexity of genetic regulation and expression, as well as the potential for non-coding regions to contribute to traits and disease. This understanding is fundamental in genome research and applications such as genetic engineering, where the focus may not solely be on coding regions but also on regulatory elements that control gene activity.