Very interesting Genetic breakthrough that reveals the differences between humans (bozo website broke the link – poor usability):
The discovery has astonished scientists studying the human genome – the genetic recipe of man. Until now it was believed the variation between people was due largely to differences in the sequences of the individual ” letters” of the genome.
It now appears much of the variation is explained instead by people having multiple copies of some key genes that make up the human genome.
Until now it was assumed that the human genome, or “book of life”, is largely the same for everyone, save for a few spelling differences in some of the words. Instead, the findings suggest that the book contains entire sentences, paragraphs or even whole pages that are repeated any number of times.
Fascinating information that I must admit I am still trying to grok.
The studies published today have found that instead of having just two copies of each gene – one from each parent – people can carry many copies, but just how many can vary between one person and the next.
The studies suggest variations in the number of copies of genes is normal and healthy. But the scientists also believe many diseases may be triggered by an abnormal loss or gain in the copies of some key genes.
It will be very interesting to see how this understanding develops.
Related: Humans show major DNA differences – We’re more different than thought, genome map reveals – Old Viruses Resurrected Through DNA – National Geographic overview of human genetics – Scientists crack 40-year-old DNA puzzle – Where Bacteria Get Their Genes
