[Next-Generation Sequencing Book]
  • [Photo] J.W. Bizzaro • February 20, 2001
    ``The fruit fly Drosophila, the staple of laboratory genetics, possesses between 13,000 and 14,000 genes. The roundworm C. elegans, the staple of laboratory studies in development, contains only 959 cells, looks like a tiny formless squib with virtually no complex anatomy beyond its genitalia, and possesses just over 19,000 genes.

    ``The general estimate for Homo sapiens - sufficiently large to account for the vastly greater complexity of humans under conventional views - had stood at well over 100,000, with a more precise figure of 142,634 widely advertised and considered well within the range of reasonable expectation. Homo sapiens possesses between 30,000 and 40,000 genes, with the final tally almost sure to lie nearer the lower figure. In other words, our bodies develop under the directing influence of only half again as many genes as the tiny roundworm needs to manufacture its utter, if elegant, outward simplicity.''

    Full story (free registration required):
    http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/19/opinion/19GOUL.html

    Reference by Slashdot.org.

Discussion forums: NY Times: Humbled by the Genome's Mysteries

Expanded view | Monitor forum | Save place

Start a new thread:

You have to be logged in to post a reply.

© 1998-2025 Scilico, LLC. All rights reserved.