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Genetic Differences Between Humans and Great Apes –Implications for the Evolution of Humans

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2017

Ajit Varki
Ajit Varki*
Affiliation:
Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA, U.S.A.

Abstract

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At the level of individual protein sequences, humans are 97–100% identical to the great apes, our closest evolutionary relatives. The evolution of humans (and of human intelligence) from a common ancestor with the chimpanzee and bonobo involved many steps, influenced by interactions amongst factors of genetic, developmental, ecological, microbial, climatic, behavioral, cultural and social origin. The genetic factors can be approached by direct comparisons of human and great ape genomes, genes and gene products, and by elucidating biochemical and biological consequences of any differences found. We have discovered multiple genetic and biochemical differences between humans and great apes, particularly with respect to a family of cell surface molecules called sialic acids, as well as in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. The hormone differences have potential consequences for human brain development. The differences in sialic acid biology have multiple implications for the human condition, ranging from susceptibility or resistance to microbial pathogens, effects on endogenous receptors in the immune system, and potential effects on placental signaling, expression of oncofetal antigens in cancers, consequences of dietary intake of animal foods, and development of the mammalian brain.

Type
Origins and Evolution of Life
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 213: Bioastronomy 2002: Life Among the stars , 2004 , pp. 343 - 348
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2004 

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