Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Mitochondrial Eve
**How do we know mitochondrial Eve is every human’s ancestor?**
**Options:**
1. ◯ because only males pass on mitochondrial genes
2. ◯ global comparison of nuclear DNA
3. ◯ global comparison of human mitochondrial and nuclear sequences
4. ◯ comparison of African mitochondrial DNA from the past
5. ◯ from fossil remains found in East Africa around 50,000 years ago
#### Explanation:
To determine how Mitochondrial Eve is identified as every human's ancestor, it is important to understand the underlying evidence and scientific methods:
1. **Mitochondrial Inheritance**:
- Only females pass on mitochondrial genes to their offspring. If the statement were true regarding males, it would contradict the well-documented understanding of mitochondrial inheritance.
2. **Global Comparison of Nuclear DNA**:
- While nuclear DNA comparisons can provide significant insights into human ancestry, they do not specifically trace the maternal lineage which is crucial for identifying Mitochondrial Eve.
3. **Global Comparison of Human Mitochondrial and Nuclear Sequences**:
- This approach combines both the mitochondrial DNA that traces maternal lineage and nuclear DNA that provides a complex picture of ancestry. It can offer comprehensive insights but is usually more complex and less specific for singular maternal lineage tracking.
4. **Comparison of African Mitochondrial DNA from the Past**:
- Research comparing ancient African mitochondrial DNA with present-day sequences has provided substantial evidence which supports the concept of a common maternal ancestor.
5. **Fossil Remains Found in East Africa around 50,000 Years Ago**:
- Fossils and archaeological evidence support the timeline around when Mitochondrial Eve would have lived but do not directly provide genetic evidence of mitochondrial inheritance.
Several variables are considered to pinpoint Mitochondrial Eve, integrating genetic comparisons across the globe, especially focusing on mitochondrial DNA, because it provides a direct maternal lineage trace. This approach has allowed scientists to identify Mitochondrial Eve, who theoretically lived about 100,000 to 200,000 years ago in Africa.
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