DNA
DNA: Humans V Chimps
We hear and read that quite a bit on television, at the movies, and in magazines. Is it true? No, it's not true. That statement has deceived people for years. Here's how. (Bear with me, I completed 20 hours of biology in college but I don't remember much)
A human being has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. You've probably seen a diagram or other image of a chromosome. It looks like a funky "X" or "H" Chromosomes are composed of protein and DNA (Deoxyribonucelic acid). On a chromosome is "coding" DNA and "non-coding" DNA. The basic unit of a chromosome is called a "gene."
A gene occupies a specific location on the chromosome. A gene is the coding DNA or "software" that contains instructions for synthesizing protein in order to build cells and pass on specific traits (heredity). Of the total DNA only about 2% actually codes for hereditarical traits. The other 98% is non-coding DNA. At the present time no one understands the function of the non-coding DNA. There are always theories but there isn't a usable understanding.
Have you figured it out? I mean the trick being played on us when we're told humans and chimps have 98% DNA in common with chimps. Here's where the research seems to differ.
A. If humans and chimps have in common 98% of the 2% of coding-DNA then it means we have in common only 1.96% DNA. That leaves 98.04% of DNA -most non-coding DNA which no one understands the function.
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B. If humans and chimps have in common the 98% non-coding DNA then it means no one is really sure what it means because no one understands the function of non-coding DNA. That leaves the 2% of coding DNA that is different between humans and chimps.
A few things are certain;
1. The non-coding DNA has a purpose despite the fact we don't know what that is
2. Humans and chimps are simliar because we must be in order to share the same planet. We share the same atmosphere, same sunlight, same water, same soil, and all the rest. Of course there would be and are similarities in genetic make-up.
3. Humans are so very different and unique from chimps that commonality of DNA reveals nothing more than point #2 above.
Sure, genetic studies are useful in medical and drug research but it's "bananas" to say that research shows humans and apes "evolved" from a common ancestor.
So the next time you're watching Bones, CSI, NCIS, (I enjoy them all) or any one of the number of excellent medical related shows and you hear "humans and chimps share 98% DNA" you can say "Big Deal!"
Reference:
Michael Gazziniga: Human-The Science Behind What Makes Us Unique
Colin Masters: DNA and Your Body-What you need to Know about Biotechnology
Published by plane williams
Just a guy with a wonderful wife, great family, and some exceptional friends View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentEasy to take on a fictional TV drama. But don't try to dismiss science by saying it's "bananas". It's really beneath you. There's no reason that you shouldn't hold to your creation-lore within the context of your faith. Just stay away from the science classroom.
Pt Two: Thanks for explaining this clearly & tell me if that monkey at the zoo has never asked, "Am I my keepers brother?". Not gonna happen. "Thumbs up" friend. : - )
Amen here plane. What is being taught is that simple chemicals became concentrated in the ocean, making an organic broth of ever more complex chemicals out of which life emerged. Amino acids are essentially, the building blocks of life, can form via natural chemical reactions unrelated to life. The theory that life began when proteins, DNA, and RNA were formed by chance, or at least by chemicals coming together...whatever you want to call it, is one that can never have conclusive proof (Abiogenesis). And that also goes for the origination of the DNA/RNA. Every science experiment that has ever been attempted to form life, has revealed that amino acids don't form as readily with any kind of stability. The amino acids that did manage to form during experiments, immediately tended to break apart every time. ALL DNA is similar because our Designer used similar processes. So what! Our DNA is close to pigs too, but aside from certain dinner habits, we can not claim we originated from them. T