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[Christmas Lectures] Life fantastic (2/3) - Am I a mutant? (Alison Woollard)

Yes, you are a mutant. But so am I. And so is the mouse that we share 99% of our genes with. As our DNA replicates, mutations arise. Sometimes they can be catastrophic, but sometimes they confer a huge advantage. Falcons have eyes that allow them to see for miles, but ants are virtually blind. How come? How are developmental processes altered over evolutionary time to produce novel structures and, ultimately, new species? The history of life revolves around survival of the fittest ‘mutant’. As we understand more about mutations it could help us devise new treatments for genetic conditions. But are we prepared to genetically engineer humans?

English
  • Originally Aired December 17, 2013
  • Network YouTube
  • Created February 23, 2019 by
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  • Modified February 23, 2019 by
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Name Type Role
Alison Woollard Guest Star