human genome: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Oct. 26, 2026

News •

Study defines average human genome and normal genetic disease risk • Oct. 22, 2026, 3:45 PM ET (News-Medical)

Keeping jumping genes in place: New role for protein complex discovered • Oct. 20, 2026, 8:40 AM ET (Phys.org)

Photos and Videos

Diagram of a DNA double helix showing its twisted ladder structure, with a close-up of the sugar-phosphate backbone, paired nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine), and labeled nucleotides and hydrogen bonds.

World map using a gradient from dark brown to light beige to show the distribution of skin color variations among indigenous populations prior to European colonization. Darker tones are concentrated near the equator, especially in Africa, southern Asia, northern Australia, and parts of the Americas, while lighter tones appear in northern and higher latitude regions.

How the DNA Thermal Cycler Uses PCR to Copy DNA Strands

Learn how the ENCODE project helps scientists in understanding the way our genome is organized and regulated

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Topics

Olympics: The Genetics of Success human body human endogenous retrovirus genome-wide association study human being human genetics genome

Key People

Francis Collins

Francis Collins

American geneticist

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Victor McKusick

American physician and genome researcher

DNA helix in a futuristic concept of the evolution of science and medicine.

Branches of Genetics

greylag. Flock of Greylag geese during their winter migration at Bosque del Apache National Refugee, New Mexico. greylag goose (Anser anser)

Biology Bonanza

Illustrated strands of DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid, biology.

Genetics Quiz