They say siblings share about 50% of their DNA. Yet it is also said that bananas and humans share 50-60% of their genetic material. What exactly is each claim referring to?
In: Biology
Obviously this is the case if your brother is a banana.
Haha. Anyway.
DNA is the building block of life. Specific sequences and combinations of the molecules that DNA is made of carry the information for how each cell in an organism functions. Every living thing on earth, and some viruses, has DNA in the nucleus of each of its cells. There are some basic requirements that every organism needs in order for its cells to function correctly and divide. These basic bits of genetic code are what we have in common with bananas, mushrooms, MRSA bacteria, and platypuses.
Now, when it comes to members of the same species, it is possible to tell how closely related they are by the portion of genes that they have in common. This is actually around 25% for siblings with the same parents, since you get about half your genetic data from each parent. So while you’re around 50% genetically similar to your mom, and your brother is too, you and your brother might not have the same 50% of your genes in common.
In short, DNA and genes are not the same thing. Your DNA establishes that you are a human. The genes that decide what you will look like (and other traits) are made of DNA, and, since you received them from your parents, are similar to those of your family members. The more genes you have in common with a relative, the closer you are related. For most people the maximum genetic similarity to another person is about 50%, which would be a parent and child, but for identical twins it is 100%.
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