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A variable genome


Focus on genes

The human genome contains 20 000-25 000 genes. What are these genes, and how are they controlled?

news

New research has challenged the scientific belief that the sex chromosomes are genetically isolated and stay largely the same during cell division. 14/09/09

A direct role for RNA in switching off a gene essential for cancer cell growth has been uncovered by researchers at the University of Oxford. 14/02/07

features

Image for An open and shut case
Modifications to DNA and histones add additional complexity by controlling access to DNA sequence. 31/01/06
Image for Small RNA: big news
Are genes the only interesting bits of the human genome? Protein-coding genes have hogged our attention, but now tiny RNAs are where the action is. 01/10/05

background

Image for Epigenetics
Changes to DNA and its associated proteins can alter gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. 08/01/03
Image for Gene expression
Genes are transcribed into RNA and then translated to make proteins. 08/01/03
"Only a decade ago, most scientists thought humans had about 100 000 genes." Francis Collins
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