Unravelling the Mysteries of Chimerism: Nature's Genetic Jigsaw Puzzle
What is Chimerism? If you recall your high school biology class, you might remember learning two key facts about DNA: first, that it serves as the "code" for all our genes, and second, that each person has a single, unique set of DNA. Otherwise, an individual could have two different blood types, which scientists once believed was impossible. However, high school biology didn’t cover everything. Some people actually do have two sets of DNA in their bodies – a condition known as chimerism. Chimerism, a fascinating and rare biological phenomenon, occurs when an individual possesses two or more distinct sets of DNA. This genetic mosaic can result from the fusion of two embryos, the exchange of cells between twins in the womb, or medical procedures such as organ transplants. The term "chimera" originates, a creature in Greek mythology that's part lioness, part goat, and part snake. This unique condition can manifest in various ways, from subtle differences like vari...