A lower percentage

2007/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Eboluzioa
• Genetika

The genomes of man and chimpanzee are very similar, with a difference of 1%. It is surprising that the difference is so small that the two species are so different, both physically and in behavior, and researchers have been working in recent years to clarify the cause.

According to studies, it seems that the key is when and to what extent genes are activated. Now, Duke University researchers have presented evidence that reinforces this idea. The genomes of chimpanzee, man, and macaque have been compared, but not entirely, focusing on the promoter areas that regulate gene activity.

Specifically, the promoter areas of 6,280 genes have been compared and their degree of evolution has been proven. In fact, it seems that these areas have not changed too much in chimpanzees and macaques, while if in humans there has been a major change, it can be concluded that change has been beneficial in evolution through natural selection.

Researchers have shown that the areas promoting 575 genes are very different in humans, related to brain functions and nutrition. The researchers have not surprised the result, moreover, seeing that there is a big difference between a hundred genes related to glucose metabolism, believe that the passage from the fruit-based diet to the diet based on other carbohydrates (tubers and roots) contributed to brain development.