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The mouse factor

The mouse genome is assembled, claims Celera Genomics, a company that has deciphered the human genome. The company began sequencing the mouse dna in April 2000. It deployed its trademark "whole genome shotgun' sequencing technique, also used for decoding the human genome. Researchers trying to accomplish the same goal for a rival consortium of companies and publicly funded institutes are, however, sceptical. " I will believe it when I see the publication,' says Tim Hubbard, head of genome analysis at the Sanger Centre in Cambridge, a member of the rival consortium. The decoding of the mouse genome is important, as it will help in solving the mysteries of human genes. The mouse genome is very similar to humans. Individual genes can be knocked out in the mouse to see what affect this has on it. The function of its human counterpart is likely to be very similar.

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