May 14, 2008
Regulating Evolution: How Gene Switches Make Life
From Scientific American:
For a long time, scientists certainly expected the anatomical differences among animals to be reflected in clear differences among the contents of their genomes. When we compare mammalian genomes such as those of the mouse, rat, dog, human and chimpanzee, however, we see that their respective gene catalogues are remarkably similar. The approximate number of genes in each animal’s genome (about 20,000 or so) and the relative positions of many genes have been fairly well maintained over 100 million years of evolution. That is not to say there are no differences in gene number and location. But at first glance, nothing in these gene inventories shouts out “mouse” or “dog” or “human.” When comparing mouse and human genome, for example, biologists are able to identify a mouse counterpart for at least 99 percent of all our genes.
In other words, we humans do not, as some once assumed, have more genes than our pets, pests, livestock or even a puffer fish. Disappointing, perhaps, but we’ll have to get over it. If humans want to understand what distinguishes animals, including ourselves, from one another, we have to look beyond genes.
More here.
Posted by Azra Raza at 06:12 AM | Permalink






Comments
Great article along with many others to be found with it on SA.
The implications of genomic research already are paying off in the understanding of interspecies adaptive maneuvers to stress, and as to why some species become obese as we do, and others, as the shrew, don't.
Also, we are beginning to recognize that mutational adaptations can occur much faster than previously believed. The latter, to me, has implications in the treatment of refractory superobesity without resorting to the scalpel.
Finally, much is to be found and much is to be learned from repeated quotidian visits to 3QD. Where one can find a little of every thing and lots of wisdom as well --- not to forget the opinion of the enlightened visitors whose contributions enhance the value of the experience.
Posted by: Felix E F Larocca MD | May 14, 2008 8:02:06 AM
"not to forget the opinion of the enlightened visitors whose contributions enhance the value of the experience"
And that would certainly include you, Felix!
Posted by: Jared | May 14, 2008 12:36:05 PM
You leave me speechless. Thanks Jared!
Posted by: Felix E F Larocca MD | May 14, 2008 1:09:30 PM
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