Human genetics is like a mysterious book of secrets from which we can get answers about personality traits, physical appearances, etc. Seldom would you hear that smoking is a genetic condition, but in some cases, it could be true. Genetic condition is a small percent influence on the personality or behavior, but it is not really a decisive factor for some people. Yet things like learning how to know if you have mobile spyware on your phone should not have anything to do with the genetics of a person. Our features, height, and eye color are the direct result of our genes. There are also traits that are less apparent, that is nothing less exciting if discovered. The following are six genetic quirks that we all have but most of us are totally unaware of. The only answer we can give here is that human biology is complex and very unique indeed.
1. Smelly urine of asparagus
Isn’t it weird to experience a different smell in your urine after eating asparagus? This issue called “asparagus pee” is due to a genetic difference. Asparagus contains high levels of sulfur-containing compounds also called mercaptans that generate the smell. This process is common for all people, whereas just a few of them own the required gene to be able to smell that strong odor. If you happen to be one of them it means that the asparagus smell in your urine is a very specific genetic trait that you share with only a few others.
2. Cilantro Aversion
Coriander, also called cilantro, a popular herb in various culinary arts is hated by some individuals for its soapy smell. The reason behind the abhorrence of the herb is again a genetic change in the OR6A2 gene which influences people’s liking of certain aldehydes. These aldehydes can be found both in cilantro and soap and they bring the soapy taste causing material. Thus, if you are one of those people who cannot stand the sharp and refreshing smell, then there is more to it than just a preference – it is a genetic anomaly.
3. Freckles
How many times have you heard the phrase, “Wow, you’re so freckled. And these are not just on your face, but they run down your neck and arms too.” The sun is mostly the cause of freckles, and not totally genetics according to the study. Like a determinant of eye color, the MC1R gene is more likely to give people freckles. This gene is also one of the pieces suggested by the study to be the one determining if a person is the type to tan or burn after UVA/UVB exposure. It is no wonder that if you have freckles, they have been a characteristic feature of your family lineage for a long period of time.
4. Sneezing in Sunlight
Also known as the photic sneeze reflex or “sun sneezing” the event in which certain people would sneeze while they are exposed to bright light, in particular sunlight. That is not the totality of the population, only the 18-35% who are thought to have inherited this reflex in an autosomal dominant pattern are the ones experiencing it. If you are one of those who have ever sneezed upon hitting the sun, then you have a genetic trait which is yet not fully understood by the researchers.
5. Bitter Taste Sensitivity
It happens so often that you may have hated the taste of vegetables like Brussel sprouts or kale for being very bitter, haven’t you? This hatred of vegetables is caused by genetic mutations in the TAS2R38 gene which adversely affects the ability to taste certain bitter compounds. This gene carries certain variants that can be seen in people and only these people will feel the bitterness of the taste. These favorably, on the other hand, acted as a defense mechanism for humans, mainly making them stay away from dangerous plants. The antipathy you possess to bitter food is a protective genetic trait.
6. Earwax Type
It turns out that a seemingly trivial body fluid such as earwax comes in two types – one is wet, and the other is dry. It is a single gene ABCC11 that settles whether your earwax will be wet or dry. If the wax in your ears is dry, it does not mean that you are necessarily a descendant of East Asian or Native American tribes, but that the odds are higher. Likewise, wet earwax is more common in those of African and European origin. Moreover, the gene associated with earwax type difference is none other than that also related to the production of body odor. Of all the traits that one may have the earwax they produce is one of the very few and yet interesting examples of genetic diversity that is real.
The narratives of these six genetic peculiarities serve to uncover the captivating intricacy of the human genetic makeup. The taste and smell of things as well as the kind of earwax we have are determined by the genes that operate in our body and emboss these seemingly insignificant yet prominent traits truly. The importance of these specific characteristics is twofold. On the one hand, we gain a deeper understanding of genetic diversity, and on the other hand, we are able to be reminded of the vastness of the biological fabric that renders each individual unique. Consequently, next time you find yourself in a similar situation of the above-mentioned traits, remember that they are indirect but very important parts of your genetic legacy.