able to genetic analysis (see box 13.3). In part, the sequencing of smaller genomes was also considered as a pilot for large-scale sequencing of the human genome. By 1999 the genomes of about 100 organisms were being sequenced or had already been sequenced (electronic ref 5).Implications;Once the sequence of the human genome is known what difference will it make? Certainly there will be a huge boost to basic research as we grapple with the fundamental biological question of how our genome is interpreted to specify a person. In the so-called post-genome era, accurate genetic testing will become widely available, not just for genetic disorders, but also in terms of genetic suseptability to a variety of different conditions, including infectious diseases. But there may be a downside in terms of discrimination against individuals. Improved treatments can also be expected. The much vaunted gene therapy approaches may prove technically difficult, but the new information will undoubtedly assist the development of novel therapies.Comparative and whole genome analyses permit large-scale studies of DNA organisation and evolution and of gene expression and function. The human genome project had not reached it’s half-way point before serious consideration to what the research priorities should be in the post-genome era. Certainly, the sequencing of the whole genome will provide revolutionary approaches to biomedical research. For the first time, there are opportunities to compare whole genomes and the newly developed field of bioinformatics is set to take off (Gershon et al., 1997; Smith, 1998). Genome-wide analyses of gene expression and function will become a major area of investigation.Comparative genomics involves analysis of two or more genomes to identify the extent of similarity of various features, or large-scale screening of a genome to identify sequences present in another genome. The examples below are merely meant to be illustrati...
