How many Protein coding genes might be present in the Human Genome?

The Human Genome Project initially estimated approximately 30,000-40,000 protein-coding genes, with more refined current estimates placing the number around 20,000-25,000. Option B (40,000) represents an older but widely cited estimate from the early genomic era. The question uses 'might be' suggesting approximation rather than precision, making 40,000 a reasonable answer choice in the context of ongoing scientific discovery and gene identification methods.