Only a small percentage of our DNA is 'unique' to us

22 Jul 2021

Only a small percentage of our DNA is ‘unique’ to us

Only a small percentage of our DNA is ‘unique’ to usWhat is DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)? It is the material that carries all the information about how a living thing will look and function. DNA is present in almost every cell. It controls how the cell replicates (increases) and functions.

Humans today are scientifically called Homo sapiens. A large part of the Homo sapien DNA is similar to other plants and animals. For example, even bananas share about 60% of the same DNA as humans!

So, what makes Homo sapien DNA unique? A new study says that only about 1.5%, up to a maximum of 7% of our DNA is unique to us. We share the rest of our DNA with other ancient humans such as Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Scientists created an algorithm (computer programme) called SARGE - Speedy Ancestral Recombination Graph Estimator. They used this programme to study and compare DNA extracted from fossils of Neanderthals as well as 279 humans across the world.

Scientists said that most of those genes that were uniquely ours are well-known genes. They are meant for proteins used in brain function.
Ancient and modern humans
These kinds of new studies with DNA are helping us understand that we, modern humans, are not so different from ancient humans.

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What is DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)? It is the material that carries all the information about how a living thing will look and function. DNA is […]

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