Molecular biology helps us understand the theory of evolution in some interesting ways:
DNA Similarity: Animals that are closely related, like humans and chimpanzees, have a lot of the same DNA—about 98%! This means they likely share a common ancestor.
Proteins and Genes: Some important genes, which help cells function, are very similar across different species. For example, the cytochrome c protein is almost the same in many living things. This shows that they evolved from a common ancestor.
Molecular Clocks: Scientists can look at changes in DNA over time to find out when different species started to part ways. This helps us create a timeline for evolution and backs up what we see in fossils.
In simple terms, molecular biology helps us see how different species are connected and explains how changes happen in their DNA over time.
Molecular biology helps us understand the theory of evolution in some interesting ways:
DNA Similarity: Animals that are closely related, like humans and chimpanzees, have a lot of the same DNA—about 98%! This means they likely share a common ancestor.
Proteins and Genes: Some important genes, which help cells function, are very similar across different species. For example, the cytochrome c protein is almost the same in many living things. This shows that they evolved from a common ancestor.
Molecular Clocks: Scientists can look at changes in DNA over time to find out when different species started to part ways. This helps us create a timeline for evolution and backs up what we see in fossils.
In simple terms, molecular biology helps us see how different species are connected and explains how changes happen in their DNA over time.