Human lineage 2

the Human lineage

or how sequencing the genome of fossils of our extinct ancestors can help us understand our evolution and the human lineage

But first, meet the folks

And another one...

Denisova cave

Take a closer look at that Siberian cave to see what they found...

The Siberian cave (Denisova cave) where a fossil was found.

Denisova cave

Denisova cave

They found ... a very tiny piece of bone...

disappointed???

Let's see how can help in this matter...

Let's see how Genomics helps uncover the history of our ancestors...

DNA is extracted from fossils, but the fragments, often damaged, are too small to be of any help. This DNA can be nuclear DNA or mitochondrial DNA (often more preserved and easier to find). They are amplified by PCR and sequenced.

Let's see how Genomics helps uncover the history of our ancestors...

Let's see how Genomics helps uncover the history of our ancestors...

Let's see what our fossil mt DNA has in store...

Let's see how Genomics helps uncover the history of our ancestors...

Now that we have the sequence, let's compare it to mt DNA from Homo species to establish evolutionary relationships

the result of the sequencing

By comparing DNA sequences, researchers can build a phylogenetic tree that shows how all the different sequences are likely related to each other.

phylogene

geniegen2

2 ways to compare sequences

Whatever the comparative method used, would you say that the denisova fossil is just another Neanderthal or Sapiens or a different Homo species?

Now that we have the sequence, let's compare it to mt DNA from Homo species to establish evolutionary relationships

the result of the sequencing

By comparing DNA sequences, researchers can build a phylogenetic tree that shows how all the different sequences are likely related to each other.

geniegen2

phylogene

2 ways to compare sequences

Whatever the comparative method used, would you say that the denisova fossil is just another Neanderthal or Sapiens or a different Homo species?

Geniegen comparison

Use the software to compare DNA sequences from sapiens / denisova / neanderthalensis / chimpanzee.

Sequences in Geniegen2

Phylogene comparison

Choose the "Homininés" collection

Phylogene comparison

Click on "Fichier" to charge the DNA sequences. Then, choose "Fichier de molécules"

Phylogene comparison

Then, choose "Fichier de molécules"

Phylogene comparison

Choose "Lignee-humaine_et_Chimpanzes.aln"

Phylogene comparison

You will work on - three Homo sapiens (Italien 1 / français / Néerlandais) - three Homo neanderthalensis (CROATIE, VINDIJA, ELSIDRON) - denisova - Chimpanzee (Pan paniscus)

Click on an interesting sequence

Phylogene comparison

Then you can obtain the tree clicking on "Arbre"

Phylogene comparison

Congratulations! You managed all the steps. Now, you can answer the previous question: Would you say this denisova fossil is just another Neanderthal or Sapiens, or a different Homo species?

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