Expressed sequence tags. are useful in identifying

Options

A. whole set of genome
B. coding and non-coding sequences
C. genes that are expressed as RNA
D. polymorphism in VNTR

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs):**
- Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) are short sub-sequences of cDNA (complementary DNA) that are used to identify gene transcripts. They represent the portions of genes that are expressed as RNA.

2. **Context of the Human Genome Project (HGP):**
- The Human Genome Project aimed to map and understand all the genes of the human genome. It involved two major approaches: identifying all expressed genes and sequencing the entire genome.

3. **Approach of Identifying Expressed Genes:**
- The first approach of the HGP focuses on identifying genes that are actively expressed as RNA. This is where ESTs come into play, as they are specifically used to identify these expressed genes.

4. **Distinguishing Between Approaches:**
- The second approach of the HGP involves sequencing the entire genome, which includes both coding and non-coding sequences. This is referred to as sequence annotation.

5. **Analyzing the Options:**
- Option A: Whole set of genome - This relates to sequence annotation, not ESTs.
- Option B: Coding and non-coding sequences - This also relates to sequence annotation.
- Option C: Genes that are expressed as RNA - This is directly related to ESTs.
- Option D: Polymorphism in VNTR - VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeats) are genetic markers and not identified by ESTs.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **Option C: Genes that are expressed as RNA**.

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