7 Mind Blowing Facts About DNA | What is DNA?

Summary

In this video, 2-Minute Classroom presents seven fascinating facts about DNA that are sure to amaze. From the mind-blowing length of DNA in a single human cell to the discovery of vital functions in non-coding DNA, this script explores the complex world of genetics. It covers surprising details like the shared genetic similarities between siblings, the incredible data storage capacity of DNA, and the fascinating history of mitochondrial DNA passed down maternally. Additionally, it touches on the digitization of human DNA and its storage in space. A perfect blend of science and curiosity!

Takeaways

• 😀 The DNA in a single human cell, when stretched out, is approximately 6 feet long.
• 😀 If you took all the DNA from every cell in your body, it would stretch over 100 billion miles, enough to span the entire solar system 14 times.
• 😀 The human genome contains around 20,000 genes, but only 1-2% of DNA is made up of these genes, with the rest being non-coding DNA that has vital functions.
• 😀 Identical twins share 100% of their genes, but siblings share about 50% of their genes, similar to the genetic makeup shared with grandparents and aunts/uncles.
• 😀 DNA is incredibly efficient at storing data, with just 1 gram capable of holding 700 terabytes, equivalent to 358,000 hours of HD video.
• 😀 The human genome consists of 3 billion base pairs, and it would take 95 years to type out the entire sequence at 60 words per minute.
• 😀 It took a global scientific effort to map the human genome, and much of this research is still ongoing.
• 😀 Mitochondria have their own DNA, which is inherited solely from the mother, passing down through generations of the maternal lineage.
• 😀 Scientists have digitized the DNA of notable figures such as Stephen Hawking, Lance Armstrong, and Stephen Colbert.
• 😀 The digital DNA of famous people is stored in the 'Immortal Drive,' a hard drive orbiting Earth on the International Space Station, preserving humanity's legacy for the future.

Q & A

How long is the DNA in a single human cell when fully stretched out?

The DNA in a single human cell is roughly 6 feet long when fully stretched out.

If you gathered all the DNA from every cell in the human body, how far would it stretch?

If you gathered all the DNA from every cell in the human body, it would stretch more than 100 billion miles, which is enough to span our entire solar system 14 times.

How many genes does the human genome contain?

The human genome contains about 20,000 genes.

What percentage of your DNA is made up of genes?

Only about 1 to 2 percent of your DNA is made up of genes. The rest is non-coding DNA, which was previously thought to have little value.

What is non-coding DNA, and does it have any functions?

Non-coding DNA was once thought to have little value, but recent research suggests that it may in fact have vital functions in the body.

How much of your genes do you share with your siblings and identical twins?

You share approximately 50% of your genes with your siblings and identical twins, as well as with your parents. However, your siblings are not genetically identical to you.

How much DNA do you share with your grandparents and first cousins?

You share approximately 25% of your genes with your grandparents, 12.5% with your first cousins, and 50% with your aunts and uncles.

How much data can be stored in just one gram of DNA?

One gram of DNA can hold about 700 terabytes of data, which is equivalent to 358,000 hours of HD video or over 40 years of continuous viewing.

How long would it take to type out the entire human genome at a speed of 60 words per minute?

It would take 95 years to type out the entire human genome at a speed of 60 words per minute.

What is unique about the DNA in mitochondria?

Mitochondria have their own DNA, which is separate from the DNA in the nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited solely from the mother.

What famous individuals have had their DNA digitally recorded and stored in space?

The DNA of notable individuals such as Stephen Hawking, Lance Armstrong, and Stephen Colbert has been digitized and stored in the Immortal Drive, a hard drive orbiting Earth on the International Space Station.