Ask A Genetist.....

Q: I realize that humans have 46 chromosomes and chimps 48, but do we (homo sapiens) have more genes or fewer genes than the chimp?



A: What I learned from the reading is that humans and chimps have 98% the same genes. I always knew we came from chimps some how but I would have never guessed that it was 98%. Another thing I learned was that we used to have the exact same number of chromosomes but during evolution they split apart as in humans or chimps either gained lost or copied genes. So Flo Pauli says that they do have the same number of genes. Therefore the only reason we are different physical appearance wise is because well first genes tell proteins what to do/make, and in chimps it tells them to make more hair for instance. Also the genes for the brain in the chimp don't tell the proteins to do the same that is in humans that's why they are less intellectual. All in all i learned that