DNA is the basis of all life on Earth. Deoxyribonucleic acid provides storage, transmission and sale of everything that is inherent in each of us at the genetic level. Dozens of scientists all over the world devote their time to studying this unique molecule, constantly making amazing discoveries.
Some of them are included in our today's Top 10 Amazing Facts About DNA.
10. Each human cell contains 47 DNA molecules
But if the DNA of all the cells of our body is “unwound”, then they will stretch for 16 billion kilometers. That is, a distance of approximately from Earth to Pluto and vice versa, or 30 times from Earth to the Sun, and then back.
9. The human genome is not the longest
Scientists study the genome of not only animals, but also plants. So, the flowering plant Paris japonica from Japan is the owner the longest genome - about 150 billion base pairs. Which is about 50 times the established length of the human genome.
8. Alien genes can be artificially introduced into the DNA chain
So in 2006, scientists brought out piglets that emit a pleasant green glow. For this, a gene of a protein borrowed from a jellyfish fluorescent with green light was “embedded” in a pig DNA chain. Moreover, not only the skin glows in piglets, but also all internal organs.
7. DNA proves: Neanderthals and humans crossed
Tens of thousands of years ago, two branches of human development uniquely crossed and produced offspring. About this scientists told the study of DNA of skeletons found in Italy, whose age is 35-40 thousand years.
6. One person can have two sets of DNA
Some pregnancies begin with the development of twins, but gradually one of the embryos “absorbs” the other at an early stage of development. People born as a result are sometimes carriers of two different sets of DNA.
5. DNA is the best storage medium in the world
Harvard scientists were able to “crack” the DNA code and find out that 700 terabytes of information can be stored in one gram of it. To store such a volume on the usual media, 150 kg of hard drives would be required.
4. DNA will revolutionize forensics
Already, specialists are able to identify a person by the remnants of the so-called "DNA touch". These traces remain in the fingerprints that criminologists find at the crime scene.
3. Viruses took part in the formation of the human genome
At least 8% of our genome is generated by various viruses. Their genetic code is embedded in the human during the long millennia of evolution, becoming part of the normal DNA of each of us.
2. DNA proved that the Vikings discovered America
A study of the DNA of four Icelandic families showed that their genetic code has features characteristic of Native Americans. Consequently, the harsh Vikings brought their wives from the mainland, which was officially opened centuries later.
1. DNA of prominent inhabitants of the Earth is stored in space
In 2008, the Soyuz delivered to the ISS “Disk of Immortality” to the ISS, on which the genetic code of earthlings outstanding in a particular area was recorded. For example, the disc contains the digitized DNA of physicist Stephen Hawking and Playboy model Joe Garcia. The “Disc of Immortality” is intended to help revive humanity in the event of an apocalypse.
