Final Answer:
Transposable elements make up at least _45%_ of human DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transposable elements, also known as "jumping genes," are segments of DNA that have the ability to move around within the genome. These elements can make up a significant portion of an organism's DNA.
In the case of the human genome, transposable elements constitute approximately 45% of the total DNA.
This estimate is based on analyses of the human genome, which revealed the presence of various types of transposable elements, including retrotransposons and DNA transposons. Retrotransposons alone, such as the LINE-1 elements, account for a substantial fraction of human DNA. The prevalence of transposable elements in the genome underscores their impact on genetic diversity, evolution, and genome stability.
Although not all transposable elements are actively transposing, their remnants and inactive copies contribute to the overall composition of the human genome. Understanding the abundance and characteristics of transposable elements is crucial in unraveling the complexities of human genetics and the dynamic nature of the genome over evolutionary time.