Integration of the Study of Molecular Evolution for Better Understanding of the Human Body

Abstract

Evolution by Natural Selection, proposed by Darwin and Wallace in the nineteenth century was mostly based on the paleontological evidences of animals and the study of the species. The rapid progress in molecular genetics and genomics from the mid-20th century helped us to better understand the molecular basis behind evolution and the link leading to the development of the advanced body mechanisms in humans. DNA is comprised of four bases across all the living species, within prokaryotes and eukaryotes as well as all other extinct species. But one small deviation at the molecular level in copying and translating the sequence can cause dramatic changes to a species over multiple generations, leading to speciation on a large scale. Humans differ by 1.2% genes with their closest ape ancestors, chimpanzees and bonobos. An advanced brain and higher level brain function was a major evolutionary advancement distinguishing Homo sapiens from its relatives. Evidence has also suggested that different illnesses, diseases, and other defects and benefits are linked to the differences in DNA among humans. Integration of the recent discoveries of how the gene sharing affects human bodies with traditional lecture will allow us to better understand the physiology thereby offering improved personalized health care. Funding Source: Department of Biological Sciences