The human genome, or the full genetic map of a normal human being, is made up of 23 chromosome pairs. To understand the gravity of this scientific feat, we first need to grasp the basics of genetics. Two percent is all that separates us from chimpanzees, and the only reason why we’re less hairy and bigger-brained is due to a tiny bit of genetic variation between us.When British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American President Bill Clinton announced on June 26, 2000, that the human genome had been roughly mapped out, it was a major turning point in human history.įor the first time, we had access to the “book” that described the “story” of human life!

We share most of our genes with other animals. Humans are indeed unique, but not as special as we think. However, other similar species such as chimpanzees are endangered, while we continue to thrive. We might think that humans are the end point of natural selection. There’s more to come in terms of human development and progress. A few chapters that have defined the essence of every person on earthīig Idea #2: Humans are unique, but they’re not the end point of evolution.

This book will examine the following key points:ģ. We can also find out why people love cool ocean water. In our DNA, we can learn about the evolution of life and how illnesses like Huntington’s disease came to be. The information contained within this tiny nucleus could easily fit on the tip of a pin. It contains over a billion words, and every chapter of life ever written can be discovered in it. The human genome is the most complex book in the world. Think of the genome as a book, and each gene is like a short story. Genes can be read in order to replicate themselves. These molecules are often referred by their first letters: A, C, G and T. Each gene can be broken down into smaller sequences called codons, which are made up of three nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine. The human genome is made up of 23 chromosome pairs-each shaped like an X with genes stacked on each arm-and varies in size and number of genes per pair.Ī gene is a sequence of DNA that contains the information needed to make proteins. To understand its importance, you must first grasp some basic genetics concepts.

For the first time we had access to the book that described our story and also gave us insight into how we could live healthier lives. When the human genome was mapped out in 2000, it was a major turning point for humanity. Big Idea #1: The Human Genome is the most important book in history.

Genome by matt ridley