RT:
Less than 9.5 percent of human DNA is functional, according to Oxford University researchers. This overturns the mainstream theory that 80 percent of the human genome is of some biological importance.
The study published in the journal PLOS Genetics reveals that at present, a total of 8.2 percent (7.1 – 9.2 percent) of the human genome is functional – “more than three times as much than is functional and shared between human and mouse.” And even within that small percentage, some DNA can be found that performs more significant tasks.
A reproduction is pictured at the chamber of evolution of the Museum of Human Evolution (AFP Photo / Cesar Manso)
This evaluation contradicts another figure given back in 2012, when participants of the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) project estimated that 80 percent of the human genome has some biochemical function.