Concept explainers
a.
To determine: The origin and spread of Alu transposable elements in mammals.
Introduction: The occurrence of short DNA sequences present as many copies in the genome are termed as transposable elements. Alu transposable elements are most commonly found in humans. Alu elements constitute approximately 10% of the human genome. Alu elements multiply by making copies of itself in different parts of the genome.
b.
To determine: The two hypotheses that could explain the presence and absence of Alu sites in chimpanzees and humans.
Introduction: Alu transposable elements are most commonly found in humans. Alu elements constitute approximately 10% of the human genome. These elements would be present at certain sites in humans and would be missing in chimpanzees while certain Alu elements would be present at certain sites in chimpanzees and would be missing in humans.
To determine: The ways by which two hypotheses can be distinguished.
Introduction: Alu transposable elements are most commonly found in humans. Alu elements constitute approximately 10% of the human genome. These elements would be present at certain sites in humans and would be missing in chimpanzees while certain Alu elements would be present at certain sites in chimpanzees and would be missing in humans.
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Evolution
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