25 Insane Trivia About Genetics And The Human Genome

Posted by , Updated on March 22, 2024

Genetics is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic sectors of scientific research. It first emerged in the 19th century, given birth by Gregor Mendel. As a scientist and a friar, Mendel dedicated his work to understanding trait inheritance – how traits are transferred from parents to progeny. His studies prompted him to theorize that traits are acquired through “discrete units of inheritance”, thereby formulating the concept of genes. Today, the progress in the field is simply astounding. Genes are studied for their functions across various disciplines. Remarkably, genetic engineering has saved millions of lives worldwide. By utilizing selective breeding to produce high-yield crops, agricultural professionals in underdeveloped societies have been able to provide food for those who may otherwise have faced starvation. Thanks to amazing breakthroughs and the sequencing of the human genome, we now understand more the genetic blueprint of human beings than ever before. Our genes instruct our cells, which in turn, define our behavior. Prepare yourself for 25 fascinating facts about genetics and the human genome.

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25

One group of 55 chimps in Africa has two times the genetic variability as all of humanity put together

One group of 55 chimps in Africa has two times the genetic variability as all of humanity put togetherSource: rpi.edu, Image: wikipedia
24

Europeans aren't the only people with blond hair. South Pacific islanders also evolved a gene for blond hair.

Europeans aren't the only people with blond hair. South Pacific islanders also evolved a gene for blond hair.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
23

Our bodies may not be "allowed" to live very far beyond 120 years due to genetic caps regarding how many times our cells can divide

Our bodies may not be "allowed" to live very far beyond 120 years due to genetic caps regarding how many times our cells can divideSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
22

Bananas are actually genetic hybrids. Thousands of years ago, humans crossed two strains to come up with today's tasty and sweet fruit.

Bananas are actually genetic hybrids. Thousands of years ago, humans crossed two strains to come up with today's tasty and sweet fruit.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
21

Scientists have recently discovered huge viruses called Pandoraviruses. A vast majority of their genes cannot be traced back to anything so some scientists have suggested creating another domain of life

Scientists have recently discovered huge viruses called Pandoraviruses. A vast majority of their genes cannot be traced back to anything so some scientists have suggested creating another domain of lifeSource: sci-news.com
20

Elizabeth Taylor's dark eyes were due to a genetic mutation that gave her double lashes

Elizabeth Taylor's dark eyes were due to a genetic mutation that gave her double lashesSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
19

When two sets of identical twins procreate with each other, their children are all siblings (genetically speaking)

When two sets of identical twins procreate with each other, their children are all siblings (genetically speaking)Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
18

In Vitro Fertilization allows you to choose the sex of your child

In Vitro Fertilization allows you to choose the sex of your childSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
17

Researchers at Liverpool found that the plagues of the Middle Ages made roughly 10% of Europeans genetically resistant to HIV.

Researchers at Liverpool found that the plaques of the Middle Ages made roughly 10% of Europeans genetically resistant to HIV.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
16

When scientists kept fruit flies in total darkness for 57 years, their descendants showed genetic adaptations that were useful for survival in such conditions

When scientists kept fruit flies in total darkness for 57 years, their descendants showed genetic adaptations that were useful for survival in such conditionsSource: plosone.org, Image: wikipedia
15

Roughly half of the DNA in our GI tract has no correlation to anything (animal, plant, bacteria, etc). Scientists have labeled it "biological dark matter".

Roughly half of the DNA in our GI tract has no correlation to anything (animal, plant, bacteria, etc). Scientists have labeled it "biological dark matter".Source: ted.com, Image: pixabay
14

One in every 4 million lobsters is born blue. They typically don't survive very long though.

One in every 4 million lobsters is born blue. They typically don't survive very long though.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
13

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic mutation that is actually advantageous to people living in malaria infested regions

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic mutation that is actually advantageous to people living in malaria infested regionsSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
12

There is a genetic mutation that makes your bones extremely dense. One man had bones that were more than 8 times as dense as a normal human. Needless to say, he would sink like a stone whenever he tried to swim.

There is a genetic mutation that makes your bones extremely dense. One man had bones that were more than 8 times as dense as a normal human. Needless to say, he would sink like a stone whenever he tried to swim.Source: the-scientist.com, Image: wikipedia
11

Blue eyed people share a common ancestor who lived about 10,000 years ago around the Black Sea

Blue eyed people share a common ancestor who lived about 10,000 years ago around the Black SeaSource: msnbc.com, Image: wikipedia
10

Cheetahs were nearly wiped out in the last ice age but a small population interbred and survived. For this reason, most cheetahs on Earth today are very, very close genetically

Cheetahs were nearly wiped out in the last ice age but a small population interbred and survived. For this reason, most cheetahs on Earth today are very, very close geneticallySource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
9

Some women have a genetic condition that makes them tetrachromatic. This means they can see 100 million colors. Most people can only see 1 million.

Some women have a genetic condition that makes them tetrachromatic. This means they can see 100 million colors. Most people can only see 1 million.Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
8

All people share a common genetic line that can be traced back to one woman who lived nearly 200,000 years ago. She has been dubbed "Mitochondrial Eve"

All people share a common genetic line that can be traced back to one woman who lived nearly 200,000 years ago. She has been dubbed "Mitochondrial Eve"Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
7

A genetic disease known as Laron syndrome makes you shorter, gives you a longer life expectancy, and makes you all but immune to cancer or diabetes

A genetic disease known as Laron syndrome makes you shorter, gives you a longer life expectancy, and makes you all but immune to cancer or diabetesSource: wikipedia
6

Monsanto Company has been producing seeds that become sterile after the first generation so that farmers can't replant them (yes, this has caused some outrage)

Monsanto Company has been producing seeds that become sterile after the first generation so that farmers can't replant them (yes, this has caused some outrage)Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
5

Only about 10% of cancers are due to genetics. The other 90% are typically caused by environmental factors

Only about 10% of cancers are due to genetics. The other 90% are typically caused by environmental factorsSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
4

A condition known as methemoglobinemia caused by inbreeding resulted in the Fugates, a blue skinned family from Kentucky

A condition known as methemoglobinemia caused by inbreeding resulted in the Fugates, a blue skinned family from KentuckySource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
3

Although we mentioned earlier that the "lifespan cap" is around 120 years, the longest living human was Jeanne Calment of France. She died at 122 years old.

Although we mentioned earlier that the "lifespan cap" is around 120 years, the longest living human was Jeanne Calment of France. He died at 122 years old.Source: wikipedia
2

We still don't know the function of more than 80% of our DNA

We still don't know the function of more than 80% of our DNASource: mountsinai.on.ca, Image: pixabay
1

Your genes will determine whether you find the chemical phenylthiocarbamide to be tasteless or bitter. This is the chemical that gives brocolli and cabbage its taste

Your genes will determine whether you find the chemical phenylthiocarbamide to be tasteless or bitter. This is the chemical that gives brocolli and cabbage its tasteSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia