Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
[as per provisional answerkey]Explanation
The GenomeIndia Project is a national-level gene mapping initiative launched to identify the genetic variations and disease profiles specific to the Indian population. It is an indigenous project designed to leverage the unique genetic diversity of India's endogamous groups.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The GenomeIndia Project is an independent national initiative launched in 2020. It is not a part of the international Human Genome Project (HGP), which was a global collaborative effort that took place between 1990 and 2003 to sequence the entire human genome for the first time.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The project is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It involves a collaboration of 20 institutions across the country, with the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, serving as the nodal point.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The primary objective of the project is to sequence 10,000 whole genomes from diverse populations across India. This aims to create a comprehensive reference genome for the Indian population, which will help in understanding the genetic basis of diseases and enable the development of personalized medicine (precision medicine).
Key Takeaway: The GenomeIndia Project is a DBT-funded indigenous initiative to sequence 10,000 Indian genomes to map genetic diversity and improve healthcare, distinct from the international Human Genome Project.