Modern man acquires Neanderthal gene
Technological advancements have enhanced research on the Neanderthal DNA. This ancient gene boomed in Europe following the interactions between the Eurasians and the Neanderthals. Eurasia includes Asia, Europe, and Australian continents. The prior examination concluded that the genome was nonexistence in Africans. However, through exploration, scientists have proven that partial Africans have the possibility of possessing 4 percent of this genome. The ancient gene became extinct because of the changing climatic conditions and termination by the modern people.
Because of the modern man intermingling with the Eurasians, there was a probable transfer of the genome. Research affirms interbreeding during movement. The genetic studies confirm that modern man is a victim of the Neanderthal genome. Geneticist Lu Chen of Princeton university stated that unlike expected, Africans possessed significant amounts of the gene. They confirmed that the gene percentage varies depending on the different continents. In that, if you were from Asia then you possessed about 20 percent more Neanderthal gene.
Impacts related to Neanderthal gene
Through genetic research, findings have affirmed that the DNA is augmented with diverse effects. Some of these include; immune, psychological, skin and neurological. Being that the Neanderthal genome is a variant, it destroys the keratinocyte cells. These cells are responsible for protecting the skin from harsh environmental conditions and pathogens. However, the cells being damaged start skin problems such as sunburns, itchiness, and even allergies. The Neanderthal genes beef up our immune system hence shields against the entry of disease-causing microorganisms. As a result, it aids in maintaining our health. Besides, it also causes neurological problems, which result in brain malfunction and psychological, which causes cases of depression.
The Neanderthals gene, however, was of significance to its originators for it had remarkable abilities. Hyper-coagulation, for instance, which is the immediate blood clotting aced up the process by which the ancient man recovered from injuries. This prevented the entry of pathogens into their bodies. Sadly enough, because of the changes in climatic conditions, such impacts would cause cases of stroke or rather pregnancy complications. Hence, some traits associated with the genome may be of less importance to the modern man.
Identity by descendant
Other than relying on the previously used reference in comparison, Chen and her associates took a different approach to unveil the untold story. She and her colleagues paired the Neanderthal genome to those of close family members. This is since close family members have the possibility of a similar genotype. An instance is that of siblings having a probability of the same genetic sequence. During the processes of comparison, they related the concept to the time when modern humans and Neanderthals shared family members. The approach proved prolific as they discovered Neanderthal isn’t free as thought.
Urge for precise findings
However, Kelley, a geneticist, states that the study experts should re-conduct their researches following the uncertainty of what percentage of the genome is possessed by Europeans. She seeks clarification and urges the recalculation of the data.
“We might have to go back and revisit a bunch of results from the published literature and test whether the same technical issue has been throwing off our understanding of gene flow in other species,” says Harris.
The continuous addition of the genome provides a better reference hence enhancing the accuracy of the data collected.
More:
