Chapter 13, Problem 10STP

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The reason for identical protein coding regions in most human genomes

Introduction:

After sequencing the entire human genome, the scientists found that less than two percent of all the nucleotides in the human genome code for all the proteins in the body. Hence there are long stretches of DNA that have no direct function. These regions are called noncoding sequences.

Answer to Problem 10STP

The protein coding regions of DNA are almost identical among individuals because they have common ancestry.

Explanation of Solution

Scientists have observed that the genomes of most mammals are comparably similar. This is due to the common ancestry they shared approximately 80 million years ago. All humans have similar body functions, needs and have same ancestral lineage. So, most of the protein coding regions in the genomes are similar.