MadSci Network: Genetics
Query:

Re: Is order of nucleotides in human homologous chromosomes same?

Date: Thu Jan 18 04:07:50 2007
Posted By: Erik Richly, Post-doc/Fellow, none, UC Berkeley
Area of science: Genetics
ID: 1156749180.Ge
Message:

Hi Azad,

the reason why the chromosomes are called homologous is because they are
(very) similar to each other - at least from a remote point of view.
However, as you know, half of the genetic information originates from the
mother, the other half originates from the father. However, this genomic
information from father and mother is shuffeled during genetic recombination. 
Therefore alone can the order of nucleotides in the human chromosomes not
be the same in all humans, not even sisters or brothers having the same
parents.

Even in identical (i.e. monozygotic) twins the exact order of nucleotides
is not identical. This is brought about by numerous mutations that occur
all the time, everyday and everywhere. As such, every individual will
differ et least slightly from another and there is no exact "order of
nucleotides" for any species on this planet. Keep in mind that genome
sequencing projects only give a snap shot of the genome of a mixture of a
couple individuals.

Hope that helps.


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