長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題117

Genomics, the comprehensive study of an organism's entire DNA sequence, has revolutionized our understanding of human health and disease. Unlike traditional genetics, which focuses on individual genes, genomics examines how all genes interact with each other and the environment. This holistic approach has led to breakthrough discoveries in personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.
The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, was a landmark achievement that mapped all 3 billion DNA base pairs in the human genome. This massive undertaking required international collaboration and advanced computational tools. The project revealed that humans have approximately 20,000-25,000 genes, far fewer than scientists initially predicted.
Today, genomic medicine is being applied in cancer treatment, rare disease diagnosis, and drug development. For example, oncologists can now analyze a tumor's genetic profile to select the most effective therapy. Additionally, genomic screening helps identify individuals at risk for hereditary conditions, enabling early intervention and prevention strategies.
As sequencing costs continue to decrease and technology improves, genomics is becoming more accessible to healthcare providers worldwide. This democratization of genomic information promises to transform medicine from a one-size-fits-all approach to precision healthcare tailored to each patient's unique genetic blueprint.