Silicon Valley

Through data comparison, Henry found that his genes were very different from those of ordinary people. Although it is said that the differences between each person's genes are very large, Henry's pair of XY sex chromosomes, especially the length of the Y chromosome, is much longer than the average person's Y chromosome. In other words, Henry's Y chromosome has a lot more genes than the average person! ! !

This is so abnormal!

"Mr. Williams, when we first met, we were also very shocked and puzzled!"

The speaker is Professor Thomson, who is in his 60s and 70s and is in charge of gene sequencing. "After careful research, we found that there are 10 more types of genes on your Y chromosome than ordinary people. Of course, there may also be Genes that we didn't find. You know, the Y chromosome is the most complex structure of all chromosomes, and it has so many repeating genes that it's not easy to detect!"

Henry nodded when he heard the words, because the Y chromosome was indeed the most difficult to detect, and it was only successfully detected in 2010 in his previous life. Because there are too many repetitive genes or useless genes in the Y chromosome, and constitute a very complex palindrome structure. It takes a long time for people to just study and find this palindrome.

A palindromic structure refers to sequences with the same structure but opposite directions contained in double-stranded DNA. For example, one is "ABCDE" and the other is "EDCBA". Although it seems simple, it is not easy to find the rules in the complex Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is as complex as a mirror, and researchers stand in the midst of countless mirrors looking for answers—the kind and number of genes. The workload is simply amazing. The Gene Umbrella Company spent a lot of manpower and material resources to complete the general inspection of the Y chromosome.

"Mr. Williams, the mutation in your brain is probably related to a new gene added to the Y chromosome! In addition, we also found a strange phenomenon." Professor Thomson said that this suddenly stopped, as if thinking.

After a while, he said, "Mr. Williams, do you remember when you fainted because of a brain mutation?"

Henry nodded and said, "Remember."

"Well... Dr. Rothman tested you at that time, and found that your cerebral cortex secretes a mysterious T substance, which strongly promotes the active growth of brain cells. At that time, a conclusion was drawn that the rapid growth of brain cells, or some May lead to short lifespan of brain cells!"

"Yes!" Henry nodded and couldn't help asking, "What's the matter, Professor Thomson, have you made a new discovery?"

"That's right!" Professor Thomson nodded, "After several years of follow-up testing, we found that your brain cells did not show signs of aging, but became more and more energetic, with lush and powerful vitality! Therefore, I speculate that there may be some other reason for your brain cells to become so powerful! As for this reason, it must be related to your genes!"

Hearing this, Henry was overjoyed. Before, he always felt that there was a stone pressing down, but now he finally put it down.

However, it didn't take long for Henry to be happy.

Professor Thomson poured a pot of cold water and said, "Mr. Williams, because your XY chromosomes are different from ordinary people, I am afraid that you will have great difficulties in fertility!"

"How do you say that?!" Henry couldn't help frowning.

"According to our research, the Y chromosome and the X chromosome are not a match made in heaven, but more like a pair of incompatible enemies!"

Professor Thomson said slowly, "The X chromosome has 1438 genes, while the Y chromosome has only 45 genes. 300 million years ago, the primitive ancestors of the sex chromosomes X and Y were no different from ordinary chromosomes, and they were also in the genetic process. DNA replication, chromosomal association and homologous gene recombination are normally carried out. But one day, the Y chromosome suddenly mutated, and a gene called SOX3 on one of the primitive sex chromosomes mutated and became A gene called SRY. According to our research, the SRY gene should be a key gene for male sex! From then on, the gender difference began to form."

"In order to further strengthen their respective genders, the X and Y chromosomes have evolved more genes that are conducive to gender prominence, and finally formed a genetic base camp that maintains gender characteristics. The gene members in such a base camp have nothing to do with each other's members. Unfriendly. Genes on the Y chromosome that are good for males are often bad for females; conversely, genes on the X chromosome that are good for females always try to destroy male traits. So when the two combine, they attack each other. But in the course of years of confrontation and evolution, the Y chromosome has reached a tacit cooperation with the X chromosome, so that it can continue to reproduce. Now, Mr. Williams, your problem is that you have more Y chromosomes than ordinary people. With 10 genes, this difference makes it difficult to ensure that the woman's X chromosome is combined with your Y chromosome! At the same time, your body's X chromosome has also undergone a lot of changes, and the problem is not small..."

Henry frowned, this situation is indeed as Professor Thomson said, and there is a big trouble in fertility.

"Mr. Williams, don't worry too much. I believe that we will come up with a solution one day!" Professor Thomson comforted, "Furthermore, your XY sex chromosomes also have a certain chance of matching Mrs. Williams's. The X chromosomes are combined together, and the probability is just a little smaller than that of ordinary people..."

"Thank you for your comfort, Professor Thomson. We will not talk about this issue for the time being. I believe that as long as biotechnology is improved, there is no problem that cannot be solved." After Henry finished speaking, he paused and asked in a deep voice, "Professor Thomson, how is the research on the new generation of gene sequencing technology?"

"The progress is very fast, and it will be completed in a month or two!" Professor Thomson replied.

"Yeah!" Henry nodded in satisfaction.

The traditional way of genetic testing is to use optical sequencing technology. Four different genes are labeled with different colors of fluorescence, and then a laser light source is used to capture the fluorescence signal to obtain the sequence information of the gene to be tested. This method is reliable but expensive. The price of a sequencing instrument is 500,000 to 750,000 US dollars, and the cost of one test is as high as 5,000 to 10,000 US dollars. It is also thanks to the fact that the Gene Umbrella Company is very rich, and can produce it by itself, reducing costs, and this has produced a large number of instruments for gene sequencing. And all the institutions or companies in the world that conduct gene sequencing research, the instruments they use are not as many as those of the Gene Umbrella Company.

The latest genetic testing method is to use chips instead of traditional laser lenses, fluorescent dyes, etc. The chip is a sequencer. Through the semiconductor sensor, the instrument can directly detect the ion current generated during DNA replication. When the reagent enters the chip through the integrated fluid channel, the reaction wells densely distributed on the chip immediately become millions of micro-reaction systems.

This combination of technologies enables researchers to obtain genetic information in as little as 2 hours. With traditional optical sequencing techniques, results can take weeks or even months. At the same time, the cost of one test has also dropped to a minimum of $1,000.

Henry thought for a while and said, "Since a new generation of gene sequencing technology is about to be developed, it's time for an update! Professor Thomson, let someone dispose of the instruments we have on hand cheaply as soon as possible!"

"Okay!" Professor Thomson nodded.

"Next, I will sequence all the genes of the mutants in the Gene Umbrella X experiment, and I want to get their powerful mutant genes!!!" Henry's eyes flashed a little...

"Understood, I will do it right away!!!"

(To be continued ~^~)