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Human Genome Sequencing Completed

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the all-the-a-t-c-and-g dept.

Arthur Dent '99 writes "According to this article at Reuters, the last chromosome in the human genome has finally been sequenced, taking 150 British and American scientists 10 years to complete. The sequenced chromosome, Chromosome 1, is the largest chromosome, with nearly twice as many genes as the average chromosome, making up eight percent of the human genetic code. The Human Genome Project has published the sequence online in the journal Nature, according to the article. It contains 3,141 genes (over 1,000 of them newly discovered), and 4,500 new SNPs -- single nucleotide polymorphisms -- which are the variations in human DNA that make people unique."

4 of 337 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I'd like fries with that by MBCook · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Odd things can be related. I remember hearing about how there were fox fur breeders somewhere (like in Russia). They decided to try to breed tamer foxes so they wouldn't have to worry about getting bit so much. Well after a few generations they succeeded. There was only one problem: all the tame foxes had a big white streak down their back, ruining the pelt. They two traits were related somehow, even though you wouldn't think it.

    So, what if it was a choice between good vision and very high intelligence? How about between good vision or very low risk of cancer/heart disease?

    Bad vision is correctable. If there is a trade off to make, good vision would be something that wouldn't be too hard to trade for something better.

    --
    Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
  2. Re:A simple question by SnowZero · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Evolution is a process with a lot of randomness. So I'd instead ask the question: Why would you exepct them to be the same?

  3. Remember kids... by TheOldSchooler · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Your single nucleotide polymorphisms are unique! Just like everyone else's.

  4. protein modelling by sc0p3 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This is good news but not too useful until we can model protein shaping.

    The AGCT's code for proteins and so far we can only model very short combinations. All you coders keen for a life project have a crack at it. Theres 20 amino acids formed from combinations of three base pairs. The amino acids have attraction and repulsion properties with each other and their environment and form to make a unique shape. Its the analysis of that 3D shape that will solve:

    - all cancer - modelling protein shapes means instant cancer cures
    - bird flu - again modelling proteins means instant antibodies to diseases
    - the most toxic substance ever invented - it will also open up designer drugs