Genome battle: Humans vs. Chimpanzees!!!

Initial sequence of the chimpanzee genome and comparison with the human genome.

Chimpanzee Sequencing and Analysis Consortium.

Abstract

Here we present a draft genome sequence of the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Through comparison with the human genome, we have generated a largely complete catalogue of the genetic differences that have accumulated since the human and chimpanzee species diverged from our common ancestor, constituting approximately thirty-five million single-nucleotide changes, five million insertion/deletion events, and various chromosomal rearrangements. We use this catalogue to explore the magnitude and regional variation of mutational forces shaping these two genomes, and the strength of positive and negative selection acting on their genes. In particular, we find that the patterns of evolution in human and chimpanzee protein-coding genes are highly correlated and dominated by the fixation of neutral and slightly deleterious alleles. We also use the chimpanzee genome as an outgroup to investigate human population genetics and identify signatures of selective sweeps in recent human evolution.

Nature. 2005 Sep 1;437(7055):69-87.

Why is this cool?

 What does it mean when people say that humans and chimpanzees are 98% genetically similar? That is the question for this paper. Well, not that question exactly, but close enough. So, the researchers sequenced the chimpanzee genome and compared it to the human genome. 

Just to make it known:

Base pairs in the human genome: 3,200,000,000

Base pairs in the chimpanzee genome: 2,900,000,000

Single base pair changes: 35,000,000

Insertion or deletions: 5,000,000

Chromosomal rearrangements: A handful.

 What do these numbers mean? Well, that is an amazing question and it has not been answered yet. But, we can some what answer from our basic knowledge of chimps and humans. The list of differences:

1. Chimps don't have the same language abilities as human.

2. Chimps are super hairy, humans not so much.

3. Arm and leg lengths in humans are different than in chimps.

4. Chimps have a bone in their penis, humans don't.

5. Humans are the only animals with psychic powers.

 Just so you know, Mandrill doesn't count for chimps because he is a human who looks like a mandrill. Mandrill's may look like all he does is look freaky, but he can secretly control women with his PHEROMONES!! Although, as far as pheromone-using-mind-controllers go, none can ever beat PURPLE MAN!!!

To villainy!

 He fell into a vat of mystery chemical and was given pheromone-based, mind-control powers and the best skin color ever: PURPLE! He has never bested anyone with the exception of Jessica Jones and that didn't even go far enough. He captured her and made her watch his debauchery? Lame. His supervillainy knows no bounds and he doesn't ever touch Jewel? Whatever. Although, outside of that one thing, Bendis made Purple Man a serious villain.

 Ok, so those two have hormone based powers, not psychic powers, but I have never heard of a psychic animals. The closest to a psychic animal was Bunicula.