How duplicating our genes shaped the evolution of human life
In short: This lecture explores how copy number variation—the duplication or deletion of genes—drives evolution. Discover how these genetic shifts enabled human color vision, smell, and blood function, while also playing a role in complex diseases.
Aoife McLysaght from the University of Dublin examines how evolution is powered by DNA sequence differences. A critical mechanism is copy number variation, where specific genes are either duplicated or deleted as they pass between generations.
These variations are fundamental to human biology, having contributed to our ability to perceive color, our sense of smell, and the presence of haemoglobin in our blood. However, these same mechanisms are also linked to various conditions, including cancer, autism, and schizophrenia.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Copy number variation and the secret of life - with Aoife McLysaght
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