Overview
two discussion questions are attached and one is here.
Please read the following magazine article about NEW proteins that have emerged de-novo (never found in ancestors, but present in descendants) and likely caused humans to evolve to larger brains. ARTICLE LINK
Reflect on the following:
- Explain the reasoning behind why these are de-novo genes are not found in other primates?
- The mutation modified a specific segment of the gene the humans contributing larger brain structure. Which part of the transcription/translation process did this mutation affect?
- How did the authors verify that these genes indeed generated functional proteins that resulted in larger brains?
- Explain your understanding of "junk" DNA in human that you learned from this article and how it may contribute towards evolution