Bobby
Moderator
Joined: 11 Aug 2005
Posts: 395
Report abuse
|
 Posted: 09/01/05 - 17:01 Post subject: Gene map shows what makes us different from chimps |
  |
|
A range of researches was done in order to compare human and chimps’ genes and the results gave proof that evolution was real and that indeed works through natural selection. When the genes were compared, it turned out that humans and chimps were 96 percent genetically identical.
DNA of a chimpanzee was sequenced, then compared to the human genome sequence and did a letter-by-letter comparison of the DNA base pairs -- the A, C, T and G nucleotides that make up both the human and chimp genetic codes.
Out of 3 billion base pairs that make up both the human and the chimpanzee genomes, only 40 million differ between human and chimp. It showed us that humans have some extra DNA that chimps do not have and vice-versa.
The researchers found a parasite related to sleeping sickness that infects chimps but not humans, and one gene for sialic acid, which is found on the surfaces of cells and is used by some viruses to infect them.
There is also an enzyme called caspase 12, which is mutated in humans and appears to make our species susceptible to the brain-wasting Alzheimer's disease
Three different types of genes seem to be evolving rapidly in both humans and chimpanzees, those involved in reproduction, smelling and immunity.
The study was not oriented on philosophical or religious questions and can not tell us for example how we tell right from wrong. |
|
