The Genes We Lost Along the Way

The video explores the concept of molecular fossils in our genome, focusing on extinct genes like GULOP and UoX. It explains how mutations lead to gene death and how these changes can impact evolution. The loss of GULOP affected vitamin C synthesis in primates, while the UoX gene's inactivation influenced uric acid levels and fat storage. The video also discusses the evolution of taste receptors in response to dietary changes, highlighting the role of gene loss in shaping our evolutionary history.

What was the primary function of the GULOP gene in early primates?

• To produce vitamin D

• To produce vitamin C

• To enhance vision

• To regulate body temperature

What percentage of our genome is non-coding?

• 70%

• 50%

• 30%

• 90%

How do mutations contribute to gene death?

• By inactivating genes

• By enhancing gene function

• By repairing DNA

• By duplicating genes

What enzyme did the UoX gene code for?

• Amylase

• Uricase

• Protease

• Lactase

What is one potential advantage of high uric acid levels in apes?

• Better fat storage

• Increased strength

• Improved digestion

• Enhanced vision

How did the loss of uricase potentially benefit our ancestors?

• By allowing better fat storage

• By increasing their lifespan

• By improving their immune system

• By enhancing their cognitive abilities

What is the relationship between taste receptor genes and diet?

• Taste receptor genes are unaffected by diet

• Diet changes can lead to the birth and death of taste receptor genes

• Taste receptor genes only evolve in carnivores

• Diet changes only affect sweet taste receptors

Why might some bitter taste receptor genes have become pseudogenes?

• Due to increased meat consumption and cooking

• All of the above

• Because of a lack of evolutionary pressure

• Due to a decrease in plant toxicity

What does the presence of pseudogenes in our genome indicate?

• A record of evolutionary history

• A static genetic makeup

• An error in DNA sequencing

• A lack of evolutionary change

What is the significance of molecular fossils in our genome?

• They are errors in DNA

• They provide insight into our evolutionary past

• They have no known function

• They are unique to humans