Question

question 9
2 points
scanning the whole genome of every infectious agent in a patient sample and comparing that to known genome sequences maintained in libraries would be the most accurate and efficient way to diagnose disease. we are moving closer to this becoming a reality largely because ______.
a gene libraries have greater accessibility
b the cost of high throughput genetic analysis has plummeted in recent years and continues to decrease
c multiple organisms have the same genome so it will minimize the number of screenings necessary
d more people are being trained in high throughput genetic analysis

Explanation:

The question focuses on the feasibility of whole-genome scanning for disease diagnosis. Key context: the main barrier to such large-scale genomic analysis was historically cost. High-throughput sequencing (needed for scanning every infectious agent's genome) has seen dramatic cost reductions (e.g., the cost of sequencing a human genome dropped from millions to hundreds of dollars), making this approach increasingly practical. Option A is secondary; option C is incorrect (different organisms have unique genomes); option D is a result, not the primary driver.

Answer:

B. the cost of high throughput genetic analysis has plummeted in recent years and continues to decrease