Chromosome 11 constitutes just over 4% of the genome, contains more than 40% of the olfactory receptor genes, making it the largest chromosomal repository of such genes in the human genome.
Many of the genes on chromosome 11 are grouped into related clusters known as gene families, the most notable of which is the olfactory receptor gene family. This family, whose corresponding proteins govern the sense of smell, is the largest known grouping of genes in vertebrate species.
In humans, its members are sprinkled throughout the genome, with the exception of chromosomes 20 and Y. But chromosome 11, which constitutes just over 4 per cent of the genome, contains more than 40 per cent of the olfactory receptor genes, making it the largest chromosomal repository of such genes in the human genome.
In humans, its members are sprinkled throughout the genome, with the exception of chromosomes 20 and Y. But chromosome 11, which constitutes just over 4 per cent of the genome, contains more than 40 per cent of the olfactory receptor genes, making it the largest chromosomal repository of such genes in the human genome.
-Broad Institute 1996
Minute 1:25 begins the region affecting olfaction
photo: National Library of Medicine
