Scientists Have Finally Decoded The Entire Human Genome
Scientists believe this complete picture of the genome will allow humanity to better understand our biology and evolution. It will also open the doors for medical discoveries in areas such as aging, neurodegenerative conditions, and heart disease.
Karen Miga, one of the authors of one of six studies published on Thursday, said that “we’re just expanding our opportunities to understand human diseases.”
This research is the culmination of decades of hard work. In 2000, the White House announced the first draft of the human genome. This was done by two rival entities: Celera Genomics in Maryland and an international public-funded project.
The human genome is composed of approximately 3.1 billion DNA subunits. These are pairs of chemical bases that can be identified by the letters A, C and G. They contain instructions for the creation of proteins, which are the building blocks of all life. There are approximately 30,000 genes in humans. They are organized into 23 groups called “chromosomes” that can be found in every cell’s nucleus.
<< Previous Next >>
