Complete decoding the human sperm genome

For the first time in medical history, scientists have deciphered the entire genetic sequence of human sperm cells.

The Stanford University (USA) study, published in the Cell Journal, may help researchers understand the genetic mix to ensure the descendants carry mixed genes from both parents.

The analysis of the sperm genome plays an important role
important for future research - (Photo: Shutterstock)

In the study, biological engineer Stephen Quake and colleagues sequenced all 91 gene cells of a 40-year-old, with healthy sperm samples and normal births.

Researchers found an amazing degree of variation between cells. For example, two of the sperm cells lose their entire chromosome.

Gametes, egg cells and sperm cells, keep half the amount of DNA compared to other cells in the body. Human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, while oocytes and sperm cells only 'hold' 23 single chromosomes, to ensure that the father and mother combination never exceeds 23 pairs in the baby.

Prior to the US study, the scientific world was limited by the study of genes in large groups of subjects and forced to estimate the number of combinatorial pairs that appeared in gametes.

However, in the latest report, experts can compare donor sperm cells with the remaining cells in the body.

Understanding the sperm cell genome can lead to applications in cancer research, infertility treatment and other disorders, Quake said.