Dna/macromolecules– left side pg. 1
Dna/macromolecules– left side pg. 2
1.
1. The following information is from the essay “Modern Life:
Evidence for Evolutionary Change” on pp. 107-109 of your
textbook.
“Organisms store their genetic information in the same complex
molecule, DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid). Genetic material in the
form of DNA is the master plan for the diverse characteristics of
each species. The code that is used to interpret the information is
essentially the same in any living organism. Scientists use this
common basis for storing genetic information to determine just
how closely two organisms are related. Biologist can now
compare the DNA among modern species and even among
modern and extinct species to use as evidence for relatedness.”
a. Explain where DNA is located and what its purpose is.
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2. Look at the page of your handout that shows a comparison of the
DNA that codes for β (beta) hemoglobin proteins that are found in
primate blood.
Compare the DNA from the different primate species. Determine
which primates are most similar and which are most different.
a. Number of mismatches between human and chimpanzee:
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b. Number of mismatches between human and gorilla:
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c. Number of mismatches between human and orangutan:
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d. Which organism is most closely related to humans? How does
the evidence support this? ____________________________
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e. Which organism is least closely related to humans? How does
the evidence support this? ____________________________
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3. In your own words, write a brief description of how DNA
comparison can be used as evidence for the Theory of Evolution.
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