User:Nahpetsl/Eras of genome research

Eras of genome research ... Research investigating the human genome has been and will be conducted in three rough time periods ('eras'), that differ substantially regarding the research tools available and the character of research. Human genetic research is presently in the 'post-genome era'.

Pre-genome era This period started with the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick and lasted for about 50 years, to the end of the 20th century.

Post-genome era The post-genome era started with the publication of the first draft sequence assembly of the human genome and is presently under way.

Synthetic-genome era During this era of genetic reserach, the focus will shift from the investigation of natural human and other mammmalian genomes to the construction of sequence-defined new genomes for cells and tissues with tailored features, suited to, e.g., reconstructive medicine. Such research is presently not yet possible.