Scientists have decoded gorilla DNA for the first time. Why did
scientists want to do that? Gorillas are great apes like us, so
working out the gorilla DNA code can tell us a lot about how we
evolved.
Why do scientists decode DNA?
DNA is a code. It's a detailed set of plans, like a blueprint,
found inside every cell nucleus. DNA tells living things what to
grow, how to grow and when to grow it. The total DNA inside a
nucleus is called a genome.

DNA is a code telling living
things what to grow, how to grow and when to grow it
Genome sequencing is how scientists look inside cells to decode
the DNA.
Scientists look for similarities and differences between
different species' DNA to find out how closely related they
are.
We're closer to gorillas than we think!
When scientists looked at the gorilla's DNA they found some
surprising things.
Scientists found that humans are more similar to gorillas then
we previously thought. We share lots of the same DNA. 96% of our
DNA is the same as a gorillas!

We share 96% of our DNA with
gorillas
Humans and gorillas share genes for hearing. These genes mean
that we have better hearing than other great apes.
We also share genes which cause advanced brain development,
partly responsible for intelligence in both gorillas and
humans.
One difference in the DNA is that gorillas have very active
genes coding for proteins which harden the skin. Gorillas have
tough leathery skin on their hands, which protects them when
they're walking and grabbing leaves to eat.
What's the point of looking at gorilla DNA?
Scientists can learn a lot about human evolution from looking at
gorilla DNA. Until now, some scientists thought that the evolution
of our good hearing was what enabled us to develop language.

Good hearing didn't lead to
language
Now we know that gorillas have good hearing too, we know that
hearing can't have been the major reason we developed language.
Decoding the differences between human DNA and DNA from other great
apes could reveal why humans developed language and culture.
Looking at gorilla DNA can also help us treat diseases. One
difference between humans and gorillas is a genetic mutation that
causes dementia in humans, but doesn't affect gorillas.
If scientists can work out why the mutation doesn't cause
dementia in gorillas, they may be able to prevent dementia in
humans.
Have a go at our gorilla quiz and find out how much you know
about these great apes!
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