Proponents of the latest science research on genetics at the National Human Genome Research Institute which falls under the National Institutes of Health are sharing their success after they have made the first-ever end-to-end DNA sequence of chromosomes among humans, Phys Org indicated.
They are making history, and with these results now available for the general public, it reveals that generating a very accurate, base-by-base human chromosome sequence is now closer to reality. In turn, this will have scientists produce complete sequences of the human genome.
The human genome project is ongoing. Supported keenly by the government, it refers to an international scientific work that aims to determine base pairs that comprise the human DNA, in terms of mapping and identifying these genes both from the perspective of physicality and function.
There is so much promise to this historic research on the X-chromosomesSieuwert Otterloo / Unsplash
Two chromosome sets
Let's paint a picture of what human genetics has right now. Individuals have two chromosome sets, one from each parent. For instance, females usually inherit two chromosomes of the X-type, one of these from their mom, and the other from their dad. Take note of the fact that these two X-chromosomes are not identical, and will have differences in the sequences of their DNA.
With this study, the scientists chose not to sequence the X-chromosome from normal human cells . Instead, what they utilized is a "special cell type," one that features two identical chromosomes of the X variant.
It has been said that cells of this kind will provide more DNA to be sequenced than male cells can do, which has a single variant of the X-chromosome. This, in turn, will prevent differences in the sequences when studying these two X-chromosomes from a usual female cell.
With the use of new technologies
With technology that happens to have the capability to sequence DNA in long segments, the research came to fruition. Instead of preparing and having to study the smaller pieces of the sequence, they have a method that takes into consideration these DNA's and how intact they are.
These large molecules were analyzed using two instruments, each of these generate incredible long DNA sequences. It has been said that this is something instruments of the past have not done yet.
After these steps, the research team utilized computer software to assemble the sequence's segments. There was a group that studied the sequence of X-chromone's gap, or the three million bases of repetitive DNA located right at the middle of the chromosome, known as the centromere.
"We have never actually seen these sequences before in our genome, and do not have many tools to test if the predictions we are making are correct. This is why it is so important to have specialists in the genomics community weigh in and ensure the final product is high-quality," the researchers indicated.
The research will develop, with more completion happening within this year.
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