Interesting Facts You Probably Never Knew About Dna

How much do you know about DNA? DNA is an exciting subject and there are plenty of cool and interesting facts about it

. Here are just a few snippets of information on DNA which may surprise you!

All About Length

Have you ever needed to call someone in New York but not had the number? Well, the entire human DNA sequence is so huge that if it was printed out, it would fill 200 separate 1,000 page New York Telephone directories.

If you felt like typing out the human genome it would take you 50 years, typing for eight hours a day at a high speed of 60 words per minute to complete it.

DNA Its Not Just For Crime Fighting

DNA is famously used in legal forensics to catch criminals but did you also know that wildlife forensics also use DNA testing. By collecting samples of DNA, forensic scientists find out more information about endangered species and also gather information about the poachers who hunt them.

Do you enjoy caviar or a good glass of wine? DNA testing isn't just used to identify people and animals it's used to verify the quality and authenticity of food too. Fine wines, cheeses and food such as caviar have all been tested to make sure that they are of the quality and type that they're purported to be.

Another use for DNA testing is paternity testing which can help in identifying and confirming the father of a baby. In some countries DNA testing is only legal if it is requested by the court because laws on fatherhood could be complicated if large numbers of men tested their paternity.

99% Identical but Still Completely Different

Did you know that more than 99% of a person's DNA sequence is the same as everyone else? We're all unique enough to be identified using forensic science but 99% of our DNA sequences which are relevant to basic structures and functions of the human body are exactly the same in everyone.

What's more, our genes are not just similar to other human beings. We have a lot in common with animals too. Humans share 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees, a whole 90% with mice, which makes them great for medical study, 85% of our genes are the same as a zebra fish and we have 21% of the same DNA as worms!

Virus DNA The Good & The Bad

It is a little known fact to the lay person but viruses are effectively little protein pouches containing DNA. They copy to healthy cells in someone and then over-write with their own data. There is a debate as to whether or not viruses are living things, however, because without healthy cells to pass infection onto they are redundant.

Viruses are especially interesting to gene therapists because they can alter genetic sequences in a living subject (victim). Theoretically, this means that one day it might be possible to create viruses which alter DNA sequences for specific purposes such as healing people or improving certain health conditions.

by: Marcus T

POST COMMENT

Taxis All Over The World Are An Interesting Mix Some Interesting Facts About Varanasi G-shock The Most Advanced Watch With Interesting Features Interesting Sights From A Large Telescope Mirror Interesting Facts About Amravati Interesting Facts About Gwalior Many Interesting Facts Regarding The Enivironmental Benefits Of Secondary Glazing Today An Interesting Craft Stamping Some Interesting Facts About Ajmer 12 Interesting Facts And Figures About Maserati Some Interesting Facts Concerning Lumber Interesting Facts About Ujjain Interesting And Divine Facts About Puttaparthi