Putting the genome on the map

The first complete genomic sequence of a eukaryote (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has already been accomplished It is estimated that tbe sequence of the human genome win be known early in the next millennium Yet it is already apparent that, despite their immense length, these linear primary sequence maps will be inadequate descriptions of the eukaryotic genome, be it of a budding yeast or a human. To reflect our growing awareness of the importance of spatial context in chromosome function and in gene expression we argue that a more complete map of tbe genome should seek to embody tbe richness of information bat we expect of the maps we use to navigate our way around tbe outside world.