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SEQUENCING THE FIRST MONKEY GENOME
Book Abstract by:
Sindhumol
Original Author: Erika Check
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Summary rating: 5 stars
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In the journal Science, Researchers presented the report of DNA sequence of the
rhesus macaque, an old-world monkey species living in Asia. Macaque monkeys are believed to have evolved from the primates which led to humans some 25 million years ago. interestingly, detailed study of portions in the new sequence reveals that 93% DNA in humans and Macaque are still identical. Macaque monkeys are very similar to people in many characters: residing in cities, eating most of the food items, living in communities etc. Since captive-bred macaques are commonly used in tests of experimental drugs and medical treatments, knowing the sequence of the macaque genome is highly important. Moreover, it will help in understanding more about what makes us human. The macaque genome provides a third reference point in comparing these two. If scientists find a DNA difference between humans and chimps, they can check it against the macaque sequence to figure out whether the chimp or the human carries the more ancient version of the DNA. By studying these differences in detail, scientists might be able to popularize the use of the macaque as a substitute for human beings in medical experiments.
Published: April 23, 2007
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