The other notable participants are the many men and women who provided DNA to the project. Their names are protected such that neither the scientists nor the donors know whose DNA is actually being sequenced. The results of the Human Genome Project will be applicable to all humans, however, because the DNA differences between us are extremely small statistically. Identifying the functions and variations of the genes is the next great step. It will take years.
Many genes identified so far have no known function and appear unique to humans.
Others function similarly to genes in non-human organisms, including bacteria. Variations in genes account for the differences among individuals that are obvious to the casual observer. More important, they are also the basis for differences in disease susceptibility between people. Better understanding of diseases. Early detection and improved diagnosis of disease.