Introduction: Seven Blind Men and an Elephant

Abstract

An oft-stated goal of the Human Genome Project is the cataloging of all human genes. To know the magnitude of this undertaking, an enumeration of the genes in man would be necessary. While the question of gene number has interested geneticists at least since Muller (1), it has also influenced thought on evolution and development. Indeed, the C-value paradox was important because of the implication that “simpler” organisms had more genetic complexity than mammals. Now the number of human genes has become a question of practical relevance, affecting how we pursue comprehensive transcriptional mapping. I present here a short, critical review of papers representing the major approaches which have been used to address this question.