Here's a choice picking of some of the metaphors that were used to describe the human genome and its sequencing.

Donald Kennedy, editor-in-chief of Science , on the efforts of the public consortium, The New York Times (US):

“Imagine trying to do this job in a number of places with academic scientists — it's like herding cats.”

Francis Collins in The Washington Post (US) on the human genome:

“We've called the human genome the book of life, but it's really three books. It's a history book. It's a shop manual and parts list. And it's a textbook of medicine more profoundly detailed than ever.”

Eric Lander on Celera's sequence in Los Angeles Times (US):

Instead of a complete map of DNA, Lander said, Venter wound up with “a tossed genome salad”.

Francis Collins pursued the culinary metaphor in The Washington Post on the complexity of the human genome:

“We have the Cuisinart that can slice and dice and do lots of things, while worms and flies have paring knives.”

John Sulston on how evolution recombines old parts, The Daily Telegraph (UK):

“You convert your Austin 7 into a Mercedes, but basically it is the same underneath.”

Craig Venter on the wonder of the genome, The New York Times:

“We feel like midgets describing the universe and we can't comprehend it all.”