DNA Scientists Finally Clear Gender Barrier

After 5 male subjects, female genome sequenced for first time
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted May 26, 2008 10:32 AM CDT
DNA Scientists Finally Clear Gender Barrier
Dr. James Dewey Watson, 1962 Nobel laureate, with a model of the DNA double helix. 1985.    (Magnum Photos)

Dutch scientists have sequenced the a female human genome, reports the AP. The first human genome was sequenced in 2001; since then, scientists have mapped four male individuals' DNA. "It was time, after sequencing four males, to balance the genders a bit," says the lead researcher.

"Because the X chromosome has to do all the work in one half of the population—the males—selection has been tougher during human evolution," the researcher told DutchNews. "This means the X chromosome is less variable." (More DNA stories.)

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