The Human Genome Project pieced together only 92% of the DNA – now scientists have finally filled in the remaining 8%

Apr 4, 2022

A visual representation of DNA human genome

New technology has helped scientists fill in the gaps of the human genome. Image: Unsplash/Sangharsh Lohakare

Gabrielle Hartley

PhD Candidate in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut

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Why was it so difficult to fully complete the human genome sequence? Image: Twitter/@genome_gov

Genetic material is made of DNA tightly packaged into chromosomes. Image: Unsplash/Warren Umoh

Here, 46 human chromosomes are colored blue, with white telomeres.

Satellite DNA tends to cluster toward the ends of chromosomes in their telomeres. Image: The Conversation/NIH Image Gallery/flickr

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