what makes us human? is it not human?

I think it is the ability of speech that makes us human. I was really impressed a few years ago, reading science fiction, the hypothesis was (as far as I remember) that an ancient virus had as result this ability to human beings that managed to survive... Sorry, for this. I mean it's science fiction.

The extra 10% comes from the fact humans have an enlarged cerebrum. Our cerebral cortex is larger than our closest ape species to us. We are the only species on this planet capable of having a complex nervous system, differentiated cells, neuron management, hypathalmus for internal control, and +7 (human intelect) knowledge.

Our body mass is made of a many trillions of cells working and performing diffeent tasks. And that 90% you mentioned are bacteria and other microbial beings that we have evovled to deal with and help us. Our stomach lining have bacteria in them to help secrete certain acids. Our lymph system is filled with foreign antigens and other foreign cells.

But in other words the facts and percentages you gave are are off. Some cells do function like bacteria but we differ in the fact that all of our cells can't work without another specialized one.

The 90% of non-human cells, that is, the bacteria, viruses and nematodes etc, are very small, and would take up about 10-20 mls of volume in total. Even though they are numerically a lot, they still are very simple life forms which rely on us to be human, since they survive within us and on our skin etc. They are also not working in unison, as in an organised structure like glands and organs etc.

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The supposed 10% are cells that contain human DNA and make up your body.

The 90% supposed "inhuman" cells are viruses, bacteria, etc.. Things that live inside you, but do not contain human DNA.

About 2% of DNA that apes don't have.

I saw a comic act where he said that if he ever goes into surgery he's going to tell them not to mess with his 2%, tis a very important 2%.

Good question though, what's that 10% human cells all about?

what you are referring to is the symbiotic relationship that we have with many bacteria in our body. it doesn't really have to do with anything that makes us human or not human. just like every other animal, there are bacteria on and in our bodies that use our bodies to support their life. some are harmful, others are beneficial, and some have no effect whatsoever. it has been estimated that in a living person the number of bacteria outnumber the number of human cells 10 to 1. although they do play a role in our biology, they don't necessarily have any part in making us human, just like the bacteria in a cow's stomach doesn't play any part in making it a cow

If we're just talking cells, then it's just the composition is different. Each microorganic cell is a singular cell irganism; they are whole self-sufficient living cell, with all the properties and abilities to allow it life, and continue life, and that has all the needs of life (life is defined as something with the need of energy, the ability to reproduce, and somethign else I think, but I can't remember, but it's cool cause it means technically viruses are "alive"). Multiple celled organisms have cells of different shapes and properties for all kinds of purposes. When we say 90% of the cells in our body aren't human, what we mean is 90% of the cells in our body are a completely separate organism that lives on its own. For example, E. Coli cells are contained in your intestines. They help digest certain foods, but they could live in other places without you. But Muscle cells can only stretch and contract on their own, they can't provide or processnutrients for themselves. They need red blood cells to provide nutrients and the oxygen with which to process them with.

This probably isn't quite the answer you're looking for, but... I think that what differentiates us (humans) from the (other, intelligent) animals, is our awareness of our own mortality-- humans know that they are going to die one day-- monkeys, rabbits, pigs, squirrels, etc., remain blissfully unaware, until the final moment arrives... if you're a squirrel-- it's a total surprise!-- humans, (though they 'know not the hour,') errrr... not so much...

Holyboy-- we didn't evolve from apes, we ARE apes-- we're hominids, or great apes. We evolved from a common ancestor of other great apes.

Human is just a label. We are labelled humans because of our ability to think and respond. That is why we are humans they the others are animals.

Supposedly, we evolved from the apes.