Approximately 20% of the human genome is made up of patented gene sequences, with over 40,000 gene patents granted between the 1970s and 2011. Patented genes can be controlled by the patent holder and require license fees for use. The concept of genetic patenting is controversial, with proponents and detractors. To patent a genetic sequence, it must be isolated, altered, and have a specific purpose. The human genome contains around 20,000-25,000 genes.
Human genes are routinely patented: in fact, approximately 20% of the entire human genome is composed of patented sequences, and over 40,000 patents have been granted on genes between the 1970s and 2011. Once patented, a gene sequence is considered the intellectual property of the company (or person) holding the patent and can legally require other companies or research laboratories to stop working with that sequence or pay a license fee to do so.
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The concept of genetic patenting is controversial. Proponents say it will encourage researchers to focus on new areas and avoid duplication of work, as well as provide companies with incentives to fund genetic research. Detractors, on the other hand, say it stifles research by controlling information and making it prohibitively expensive to license genes.
To patent a genetic sequence, a company must isolate or alter it and demonstrate that it has a specific purpose, such as being useful for diagnosing a disease.
The human genome is made up of approximately 3 billion base pairs of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and contains approximately 20,000-25,000 genes.
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