The human genome project could be too big for the biotech and pharmaceutical companies to handle, and could bankrupt the industry. Forty percent of the genes are previously unknown. 113 genes have been transferred into the human genome from bacteria. The 'complete' sequence is still riddled with gaps. One of the most common transposable element, Alu , tends to cluster where there are genes.
Chromosomes vary widely in the number of genes they contain.
Most mutations occur in males. There are more than four million genetic differences between humans found so far. Now that the bubble has burst, it is time to take stock and seriously rethink healthcare. Now, scientists are telling us this is just the end of the beginning, and much more money is needed before the goods can be delivered in terms of miracle cancer cures, eradication of disease, genetic enhancement, gene therapy, personalised medicine and a prescription of lifestyle based on our genetic makeup. That, at a time when our National Health is in financial crisis and research and development of other aspects of healthcare has been sorely neglected.