DNA and Thanksgiving

Discovery magazine has compiled a slideshow featuring what scientists have discovered or developed regarding the various items on your Thanksgiving menu. Entitled “The Genome of Your Thanksgiving Supper,” the 2010 article provides interesting facts about the turkey genome, which contains 80 chromosomes (humans have 46), and how potatoes and tomatoes are genetically related.

The study of DNA in different organisms contributes to our understanding not only of these plants and animals—many reveal clues about how human DNA works as well.

DDC wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving week!