Question

A- We share 99% of our genes with apes (and nearly 50% with nematodes) how can we be so closely related and yet be so different? - In other words how do you get differences when we have so many of the same genes? In your answer explain this statement: “It is not what genes you have but how you use them

Answer 1

The percentage similarity of the genes between human beings and apes is around 99%. But still we are phenotypically very different from each other. This is because of differences in gene expression. Differences in gene expression are attributed to two factors, temporal differences and spatial differences.

99% of the genes is same in human beings and Apes. It means 99% of the genome sequence is same. But the differences lie in the transcription and translation of the genome and therefore the proteins formed in both the types of organisms.

In both human beings and its, different genes are expressed at different times. This is called as temporal gene regulation. Also different genes in both of us are expressed in different organs and perform different functions which is called as spatial gene regulation.

Because of differences in the gene expression due to time and space, the usage of genes in both the organisms is different. This is the reason that we both are phenotypically very different from each other.

Phenotypic differences arise due to the amount and type of protein and the function of proteins performed the two organisms being compared. For example, we have genes for the formation of hair on our skin and the same gene is found in Apes. But they have for on their skin. This is because of over expression of genes which is related to the formation of hair.

This is how the two organisms are similar to each other in genome sequence but phenotypically very different.

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