βš™οΈ how

How many genes are on the human genome?

Human BiologyGenetics

Quick Answer

Humans have about 20,000 protein-coding genes, though the exact number can vary slightly as science improves the count. Most of the genome does not directly code for proteins.

The Full Story

The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, helped establish that humans have roughly 20,000 to 21,000 protein-coding genes. That is far fewer than many people once expected. These genes make proteins, but large parts of the genome regulate when and where genes are switched on, and many stretches do not code for proteins at all. Scientists continue to refine the exact count as they learn more about gene function and regulation.

Key Facts

1.Humans have about 20,000–21,000 protein-coding genes
2.The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003
3.Only a small fraction of the genome codes for proteins

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The human genome has fewer genes than you might think."