Monday, November 30, 2015

Comparison Between Turteles and Humans

The turtle shell is an incredible evolutionary development that sets turtles and tortoises apart from other reptiles.  The shell acts as great protection for these, otherwise, defenseless animals.  Studies have shown that this shell was formed from the mutation EDC, or Epidermal Differentiation Complex.  This mutation was first present when turtles separated from other reptiles 250 million years ago.
Where do humans fit in?  It has been discovered that in humans and turtles, the EDC gene is organized very similarly.  This leads people to believe that this gene was developed in a common ancestor to both humans and turtle about 310 million years ago.  This ancestor would be similar to common reptiles.
The EDC gene has furthered evolved in humans and turtles though.  They have different functions in the two different species.  In turtles, it is to harden and form the shell.  On the other hand, in humans the gene is used to protect the skin from microbes and allergens that could potentially penetrate the skin.  Study of this gene and the proteins it codes for can help treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis.

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5 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 30, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    I did not know about the EDC and how it used to protect the skin. I hope it can be used for treatment since I have family members with the condition and it can be really tough to deal with. This article was very interesting

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  2. Bethany MancusoDecember 2, 2015 at 9:32 AM

    This type of genetic research supports evolution because it is showing divergent evolution, where similar "body parts" are being used in different manners. For example, the humerus in humans is incredible similar to the long bone in the wing of a bat. Both evolved from common ancestors but are used for incredibly different reasons. The same can be said about the EDC gene being discussed here. Hopefully research such as this will eventually allow us to use the Law of Evolution rather than the current Theory of Evolution.

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  3. UnknownDecember 2, 2015 at 8:14 PM

    This post highlights the distant similarities between living organisms that to any person appear entirely different. It's remarkable to see the slightest details in which we are all related at some point in history through evolution and common ancestry.

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  4. UnknownDecember 2, 2015 at 8:14 PM

    This post highlights the distant similarities between living organisms that to any person appear entirely different. It's remarkable to see the slightest details in which we are all related at some point in history through evolution and common ancestry.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 3, 2015 at 11:00 AM

    Protection ,"In turtles, it is to harden and form the shell. On the other hand, in humans the gene is used to protect the skin from microbes and allergens that could potentially penetrate the skin. Study of this gene and the proteins it codes for can help treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis." Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. If the production of this gene can help with Psoriasis i believe that is something that should be explored. The variation of the level of Psoriasis is large.

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