Lecture 2: Am I a Mutant?
Yes. 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?
Filming Date: Tuesday 17 December 2013
Broadcast Date: 8pm Sunday 29 December 2013, BBC4
You’ll be able to watch the ‘Am I a Mutant?‘ episode on BBC FOUR.
Are you looking for the video of this lecture, don’t worry you’re in the right place, we will display the links to the videos, once they have been recorded, so sit tight!
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