The Human Genome Project

folk, educational · 3:12

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Three billion base pairs scattered like dust
DNA fragments in pieces we trust
No picture on the box, no guide to see
How do we solve this genetic mystery?

[Chorus]
Overlap, layout, consensus the way
Smith-Waterman finds where the sequences play
Assembly algorithms piece by piece
Till the human genome finds its release
Fragment by fragment, we build the code
Walking the paths where the overlaps flowed

[Verse 2]
Sequence assembly like a puzzle so vast
Reading the fragments from first to last
Finding the overlaps, where do they meet?
Making connections to make it complete

[Chorus]
Overlap, layout, consensus the way
Smith-Waterman finds where the sequences play
Assembly algorithms piece by piece
Till the human genome finds its release
Fragment by fragment, we build the code
Walking the paths where the overlaps flowed

[Bridge]
Graph algorithms show us the routes
Possible assemblies, following clues
Paths through the network of overlapping parts
Solving the riddle that science imparts

[Verse 3]
Twenty thousand genes, not what we thought
Less than expected, but wisdom they brought
Ninety-eight point eight with chimps we share
Evolution's story written with care

[Chorus]
Overlap, layout, consensus the way
Smith-Waterman finds where the sequences play
Assembly algorithms piece by piece
Till the human genome finds its release
Fragment by fragment, we build the code
Walking the paths where the overlaps flowed

[Outro]
Disease and evolution, mysteries solved
The human story finally evolved
From fragments to wholeness, the code complete
Algorithm victory, no small feat

← The Structure of DNA | The Chicxulub Crater Discovery (1978-1991) →