Complete sequencing of ape genomes challenges the long-held belief of a minimal genetic difference between humans and apes, offering new insights into human evolution and distinctiveness.
A recent study in Nature reports the complete sequencing of ape genomes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans. This comprehensive sequencing effort reveals a greater genetic divergence between humans and apes than previously estimated. The widely cited "1 percent difference" is now considered outdated.
Past genome comparisons were limited by incomplete ape genome sequences. These earlier sequences were often assembled using the human genome as a reference. This led to a 'humanized' representation of ape genomes.
The new complete ape genomes show a significant "gap divergence." Gap divergence refers to sections of DNA present in one genome but absent in the other. This divergence ranges from 12.5% to 27.3% between ape and human genomes.
Specifically, the chimpanzee genome, the most similar to humans, exhibits at least 12.5% gap divergence. When single nucleotide variations (SNVs), or differences in individual DNA building blocks, are added, the total difference between human and chimpanzee genomes reaches approximately 14.9%. This is far greater than the previously claimed 1%.
These findings highlight the genetic uniqueness of humans. Understanding these differences can provide insights into human evolution. It also challenges existing scientific narratives about human-ape relationships.
Further research is needed to fully explore the implications of this discovery. However, this study marks a significant step in understanding the genetic distinctions that define humanity.