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I found this interesting. Epigenetics (the Methylation of cytosine bases) is probably the biggest single reason for the failure to clone many higher animals. We may have the human genome decoded but we have yet to decipher the full extent of gene imprinting which has a direct effect on how genes are expressed.
1 posted on 01/22/2006 10:33:22 AM PST by Ma3lst0rm
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To: Ma3lst0rm
We may have the human genome decoded

May have being the operative words here.

DNA research has discovered a great deal over the past several decades. The Human Genome Project has mapped our entire genetic code, which consists of a sequence of over 3 billion chemical nucleotide bases. Through a better understanding of our genes, scientists have been able to diagnose the causes of many illnesses faster and more accurately and have found genetic cures for diseases. Doctors can now develop customized treatment plans for patients based on their specific genetic code. The field of genetics has also caused a great deal of controversy as it's jumped into research on cloning, genetically modifying plants and animals, and the possibility of inadvertently creating new and stronger viruses. Although scientists have learned a great deal about the human genome, the majority our DNA remains a complete mystery. Most scientists believe that genes are the crucial part of DNA because they code for proteins. Some non-coding DNA is also known to be important because it provides the timing commands for the coding DNA, telling it when to start and stop replicating. Most people don't realize, however, that less than 2% of the genome codes for the production of proteins. The vast majority of DNA is considered simply "excess baggage." In fact, when the Human Genome Project began, some scientists only wanted to map the sections of genome that coded for protein. Mapping all of the non-coding DNA - referred to as "junk" DNA - was considered a waste of time because it served "no known biological role." Still, the entire genome was mapped, leading to some interesting discoveries.

2 posted on 01/22/2006 10:50:00 AM PST by itsahoot (Any country that does not control its borders, is not a country. Ronald Reagan)
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