The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international scientific project spanning many years and involving hundreds of scientists. Its purpose was to determine the sequence of chemical base pairs that make up DNA and map all the human genes. This allowed researchers to compare sequences of human DNA to sequences of DNA from other organisms. From these comparisons, they could identify similar genes that may have similar functions. Which statement best explains why it is possible to make these types of comparisons of these DNA sequences? A. Virtually all organisms generate mutations that are passed on to their offspring.

B. The genetic code in virtually all organisms depends upon enzymes to form bonds.

C. Virtually all organisms replicate their genetic material prior to mitotic cell division.

D. The specific codons that code for a particular amino acid are common to virtually all organisms.