Scientists have sequenced the entire genetic code of individual human sperm cells for the first time, in a breakthrough which will help doctors understand and diagnose fertility problems.
Researchers from Stanford University mapped out the entire genomes of 91 separate sperm cells – through which fathers pass on physical characteristics to their children – which were donated by a 40-year-old man.
The results will allow scientists a closer view of the natural process called recombination, through which a baby inherits different elements of their DNA from each of their grandparents.
Recombination is important because it means children develop completely new genetic codes and add to the diversity of the human race, which would not be the case if they inherited entire chromosomes from their parents.
But problems in the process can result in sperm missing certain portions of genetic code or even entire chromosomes, potentially leading to infertility. Until now, such issues have been hard to diagnose.
Prof Stephen Quake, who led the study published in the Cell journal, said: “People have difficulty conceiving children due to reproductive disorders, and this will provide a very effective way to analyse when there are problems with their sperm.
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