One down, 23 to go. Chromosome 22 has become the first human chromosome whose
DNA sequence is known in full, except for a few minor gaps. Ian Dunham,
coordinator of the international sequencing project at the Sanger Centre in
Cambridge, estimates that the chromosome contains 800 or so genes. The
33.5-million-base sequence includes a continuous strand of 23 million bases, the
largest single chunk of DNA ever logged (Nature, vol 402, p 489). The
sequence includes gaps where it was impossible to clone the DNA using
bacteria.
More from 91av
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending 91av articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
3
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
4
Why we should all take quantum physics extremely personally
5
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
6
Explore the mind-bending and paradoxical art of M C. Escher
7
Millions of fossil whale bones found in deep-ocean ‘necropolis’
8
91av recommends a brilliant take on the evolution of birds
9
Hundreds of new moons are revealing our solar system's violent history
10
El Niño has started and the weather could get weird
