Biochemical Evidence

1. Giving an example explain how biochemical evidence can be sued for

evolution.

Biochemical evidence can be used as evidence for evolution as it establishes the

similarities between macromolecules (such as proteins and DNA) in living
organisms which can suggest a common evolutionary origin. For example, humans
and chimpanzees have an identical sequence of amino acids in their haemoglobin
and so they are now more closely related than humans and gibbons.

Biochemical Evidence 1
 2. How has our understanding of evolution changed because of biochemical
evidence?

Our understanding of evolutionary relationships has drastically improved and results

in more objective and quantitative data for comparison between living organisms.

3. Outline some advantages and limitations of using biochemical evidence for

evolution.

There are some limitations associated with the use of biochemical evidence such as
that some changes in DNA or amino acid sequences may not be identified if a
particular change occurred in the past has reverted to its original form in a more
recent organism. The techniques also rely on high specialised computer technology
which is complex and expensive. However, there are certain advantages which has
led to our improved understanding such as it reveals more detailed information that
is in a quantitative format and allows for more accurate and precise comparisons.

4. Use a diagram to outline how the process of DNA–DNA hybridisation works.

The steps for DNA-DNA hybridisation are as follows:

The double stranded DNA molecules is split lengthwise and nucleotide bases
are exposed which is done by applying heat.

The separated strands are compared and mixed.

The two strands from difference species combine to form a hybrid DNA
molecule. The more closely related they are the stronger the binding of the
strands is.

To determine strength of binding heat is applied this is done as the more closely
relate two organisms are the stronger they bind and the greater the amount of
heat required to seperate the strands.

5. How has our understanding of evolutionary relationships changed because of

a technology?

Biochemical Evidence 2
 The development of advanced technologies has allowed scientists to objectively
measure similarities and differences between components of macromolecules in
living organisms to determine their relatedness and this quantitative data has made
it possible to reconstruct evolutionary history of organisms both living and extinct.

6. Using the data in Table 10.2, how many differences are there between a
chicken and a penguin? between a whale and a penguin?

Between a chicken and penguin there is difference of 3 however between a whale

and a penguin there are 10.

7. Which two organisms in Table 10.2 are more closely related in terms of
evolution and common ancestry?

A horse and donkey have the least amount of differences hence must be the most
closely related in terms of evolutionary relationships.

Biochemical Evidence 3