This unique mosaic reflects the complexity and diversity of life. Each individual contributes to this larger picture with their own unique texture. Our genetic structures form the beginning of our DNA map, which tells different stories.
While our traces are shaped by the strange quirks of life, the next chapter actually invites us to discover how these interesting details turn into stories. Because each colorful piece in this mosaic symbolizes an adventure in itself. Now, let’s take a look behind the scenes of these unique stories…
It has been proven that 99.9% of the DNA in all humans is the same.
The fact that 99.9% of our DNA is shared highlights humanity’s fundamental genetic similarities. But just a 0.1% difference within this shared heritage creates the uniqueness of each of us. Although this rate increased to 0.5% with subsequent correction, this is still a very small slice considering the enormous size of the genome.
The human genome contains approximately 3.2 billion DNA code letters. This difference, representing 0.5%, corresponds to approximately 16 million letters. When we consider that the genetic code consists of 4 letters, the number of possible combinations that these 16 million letters can create is astronomical. This means that each individual’s genetic map has a unique combination.
This enormous diversity makes the genetic story of each of us unique and makes it unlikely that we will have the exact same genome as anyone else.
The situation is the same for identical twins. While the situation is completely equal when they are born, the genomes begin to differ as time progresses. The main source of genetic differences are the small changes that occur each time DNA is copied. This process is known as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which occurs with the change of a single letter.
We know that fingerprints are different for everyone. The formation process of these unique scars is also quite complex. Although the role of genes in determining the shape and size of the fingerprint is acknowledged, the fingerprint of the developing fetus is not limited to genetic factors alone. So what is effective?
Various factors within the uterus can affect the fetal fingerprint.
It includes many factors, from the pressure exerted by the uterine wall to the fluidity of the amniotic fluid. Interestingly, although the fingerprints of identical twins are similar, they may have significant differences that can be distinguished from each other. This shows that environmental factors beyond genetic determinism also play an important role in the formation of fingerprints.
Another factor is our face, which is the most important thing that allows us to distinguish ourselves from each other. No two of the billions of people on Earth are “exactly” alike. There are great similarities, we admit it. But when it comes to the biological part of the matter, even one of our ears is not the same as the other.
Shall we tell you a secret that will surprise you? In fact, no two people in the world even walk the same!
Yes, you heard right. Walking style is also a feature that distinguishes humans from humans. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other is actually a complex action shaped by the personal touch of each of us. Over time, the person’s specific walking style depends on physical characteristics such as leg length and hip width, as well as environmental factors such as leg muscle development habits.
In addition, the scientific world is making serious efforts to recognize people by their ears. It is said that it is possible to recognize someone with 99.6% accuracy even from a blurry ear image, thanks to 3D scanning techniques and the unique geometric details of the ears. So now an ear expert can do detective work instead of Sherlock Holmes!
Let’s talk about the eyes, which are another difference. The iris in each eye is unique and not similar to each other, as if it has a special cut of a diamond.
Many countries such as the UK, USA and Canada have given the green light to use this uniqueness of the iris for identification. However, there is a paradox here: If even twins are not identical, then why do the irises of family members resemble each other?
The answer to this question lies in the complex world inside the iris. Iris; It is a layer where muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and pigment cells intermingle. The color and texture of the iris is genetic, so family members’ eye color and iris appearance are similar. However, the secret lies in the fact that iris scanning systems focus on the spots and protrusions of the iris, not its color and texture.
These details are formed in the womb due to random environmental factors rather than genetic codes. In fact, the uniqueness of the iris is hidden in the micro details, even when the iris of family members are similar to each other. We can think of it as if each of us has a work of art hidden in our iris.
Every person’s scent is like a fingerprint.
Our body contains complex and unique components that create its own olfactory signature. The secretions in our body host various bacteria. These bacteria transform the usually odorless secretions into a unique aroma. Ta da! This is how your scent that makes you unique is created.
A team at the University of Bristol has suggested that a “thermal cloud” formed by the evaporation of 44 different compounds could be used to identify individuals. In fact, this means that we will be able to be identified with our own unique body odor in biometric passports in the future, thanks to this scented thermal cloud that surrounds us. Even though it sounds a little utopian, it still seems like a great thing.
As we see, this world is like a gallery where every person is a unique masterpiece. Each of us; We carry our uniqueness with fingerprints, iris patterns, body odors and even nail structures. This diversity creates the most beautiful picture of life. Because real art lies in differences.
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