All chapters of the human genome have been decoded by researchers from six countries, a joint statement said on Monday.
The significant breakthrough was made by scientists from six countries, including France, China, the United States, Germany, Britain and Japan, who have participated in the international Human Genome Project.
The decoding of human genome, an instruction book for human life, marked important progress in biomedical sciences, said the statement.
The Human Genome Project, sponsored by the six governments, was started in 1990 and it was expected to be completed by the year of 2005.
Researchers announced in February that about 95 percent of the human genome has been mapped out.
The complete sequence of human genome includes about 30,000 to 40,000 genes. The decoding of the life book would bring scientists new insights into the cause of illness and develop better treatment for patients.
Chronology: Landmarks in Genetics and Genomics
The following is a list of landmarks in the history of genetics and genomics published by Nature, the British scientific journal.
1865: Gregor Mendel discovers laws of genetics.
1953: James Watson and Francis Crick describe the double-helical structure of DNA.
1983: First human disease gene -- for Huntington's disease -- is mapped.
1990: The Human Genome Project (HGP) launched in the United States. First gene for breast cancer mapped.
1991: First US genome centers established.
1995: First bacterial genome (Haemophilus influenzae) sequenced.
1998: Chinese National Human Genome Centers established in Beijing and Shanghai. Roundworm genome sequenced.
1999: Sequence of first human chromosome (chromosome 22) completed. Full-scale human genome sequencing begins.
2000: Draft version of human genome sequence completed. Fruitfly and mustard cress genome sequenced.
2001: Draft version of human genome sequence published.
2002: Draft version of mouse genome sequence completed and published. Draft version of rice genome sequence completed and published. Draft version of rat genome sequence completed.
2003: Finished version of human genome sequence completed. The Human Genome Project ends with all goals achieved.
(People’s Daily April 15, 2003)
