The one-month exhibition was jointly held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the China Association for Science and Technology to familiarize the public with the relationship between human genome (genes) and various diseases.

The exhibition and three forthcoming seminars will provide information on Human Genome Project (HGP), an international research program aimed at decoding human genome sequencing information, and show the significance of finding out about the secret of life for human beings.

Organizers said the exhibition, held during the winter vacation, is expected to help more students understand the HGP and relevant topics pertaining to life sciences.

"It is still too far ahead to conclude how the HGP will influence the development of human societies. But knowledge about genetic information will surely lead to a better understanding of human beings," said Jing Shuping, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, at Thursday's opening ceremony.

The Human Genome Project was started in 1990 and attracted scientists from six countries, namely, the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan and China.

The project reported on June 26, 2000 the completion of a " working draft" of the human genome, which contains an estimated 90 percent of human genetic sequence arranged in near perfect order on a genetic map.

China is the only developing country participating in the project.