Humans Develop Faster than Chimpanzees

     It is apparent that humans and primates are compared genetically. 98% of the DNA from humans and chimpanzees are the same; therefore the difference remains in the 2% left. It is thought that Alu DNA (also known as junk DNA) make up various mutations and rearrangements. Although these can be helpful in discovering new proteins, they can also be harmful in creating a cancerous tumor and other defects. A team of scientists has found 2,200 new human Alu DNA, which are not found in chimpanzees. It is due to this that the development of humans has occurred at a much faster pace than the development in chimpanzees.

     This Alu DNA has also shown that it has been written into the human chromosomes. Achilles Dugaiczyk, professor of Biochemistry at UCR, comments that it is not due to natural selection. He also comments that this expansion of DNA was due to a chemical process within the human chromosomes.

    When determining the genetic difference between humans and other animals, it is an important process because it can lead to many other things. This can enhance our knowledge base on how life began on earth. It also allows us to compare our DNA with other DNA to find a link to a possible genetic disease. 

Original Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040831090221.htm