Final answer:
The most accurate statement is that specific SNPs have been linked to diseases like cancer. SNPs are variations in a single nucleotide that occur commonly in the human genome and can influence health. Genome-wide association studies help identify disease-related SNPs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most accurate statement regarding SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) is that specific SNPs have been linked to the development of diseases such as cancer. SNPs are DNA sequence variations occurring when a single nucleotide in the genome differs between individuals; for example, a base pair change from C to T results in different alleles. These genetic variants are present at frequencies greater than 1 percent in the population and can affect both protein structure and function, potentially influencing an individual's phenotype and health outcomes.
Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), researchers can identify SNPs associated with diseases across the genome, relying on databases like the International HapMap Project. These studies help distinguish between variants that cause disease and those that are merely passengers with no impact on health. With over several million SNPs identified, understanding the impact of each SNP on health is critical, particularly as they relate to personalized medicine and drug responses.