29 June 2000

Mapping the human genome

it's right up there: if something is right up there with something it means that it is of equal importance, it is just as important.

instances: a particular example of an event or situation is an instance of that event or situation.

out-of-the-blue: Something that happens which is unexpected or a complete surprise can be described as coming out-of-the-blue.

appreciated: if you appreciate a situation or problem, you understand it and know what it involves.

breakthrough: an important new development or achievement is a breakthrough.

private sector: the part of a country's economy which is not controlled or supported financially by the government is the private sector.

efficacy testing : an efficacy test is a test to make sure something works and does what it is supposed to do.

vital: something that is very important, necessary or essential is vital.

...have to be done: in this sentence this expression means 'must be invested'.

at the end of the day: an informal expression which means 'in the end' 'after everything else has been done.'

an awful lot: an expression which means 'a large amount.'

monopolized (also spelt monopolised): something which is completely controlled by one person, company or organisation is said to be monopolized.