"In contrast, with only eight percent DNA being functional, we have to work out the eight percent of the mutations detected that might be important. This is essential to interpreting the role of human genetic variation in disease," Pointing said.

A little over one percent of human DNA accounts for the proteins that carry out almost all of the critical biological processes in the body.

The other seven percent is thought to be involved in the switching on and off of genes that encode proteins - at different times, in response to various factors, and in different parts of the body.

Interestingly, only 2.2 percent of human DNA is common with mice.

"The fact that we only have 2.2 percent of DNA in common with mice does not show that we are so different. We are not so special. Our fundamental biology is very similar," said Gerton Lunter from the Welcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics at Oxford University.

The findings were shared in a paper appeared in the journal PLOS Genetics.

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