hg19 Reference Genome FASTA Download

The hg19 reference genome is a crucial resource for genomic research and bioinformatics analysis. This assembly, also known as GRCh37, provides the standard human genome sequence that researchers worldwide use as a reference for alignment, variant calling, and comparative genomics. Download the complete hg19 FASTA file for your next project.

UCSC Genome Browser hg19 (GRCh37) 3.2 GB (uncompressed)

⬇️ Free Download

hg19 Reference Genome FASTA - Safe & Fast Download

3.2 GB (uncompressed) File Size
hg19 (GRCh37) Version
Free License

About This Software

The hg19 reference genome assembly was released in 2009 and has become the standard for many genomic studies. This assembly includes approximately 3.2 billion base pairs organized into 24 chromosomes plus mitochondrial DNA. The FASTA format provides the nucleotide sequences in a plain text format that's compatible with virtually all bioinformatics software. Researchers use this reference for aligning sequencing reads, identifying genetic variants, and studying genome structure and evolution.

Key Features

1
Complete human genome sequence in standard FASTA format
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All 24 chromosomes plus mitochondrial DNA included
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Compatible with major bioinformatics tools and pipelines
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Regularly updated to maintain accuracy
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Available in compressed format for efficient storage and transfer

How to Use

After downloading, extract the compressed file and place the FASTA in your working directory. Most alignment tools like BWA, Bowtie, and STAR can directly use this reference file. For large-scale analyses, consider indexing the genome first to optimize performance.

Conclusion

Download the hg19 reference genome FASTA file today and accelerate your genomic research. This essential resource is ready for immediate use in your bioinformatics pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hg19 and hg38 reference genomes?

hg19 (GRCh37) was released in 2009, while hg38 (GRCh38) is a more recent assembly with improved scaffolding and additional alternate loci. hg19 remains widely used for consistency with existing studies.

How large is the hg19 reference genome FASTA file?

The uncompressed hg19 reference genome FASTA file is approximately 3.2 GB in size. Compressed versions are available for faster download and reduced storage requirements.

Can I use the hg19 reference for clinical applications?

For clinical applications, it's recommended to use the latest genome assembly (hg38) which has better representation of genetic diversity and improved accuracy in medically relevant regions.