TSN Master Class 8: Evolution

John Innes Centre, Norwich. 08.11.01

The eighth in our series of master classes took place in November. We always have speakers who are leaders in their field for these very popular master classes, and this one was no exception. Our Speakers were:

Prof. Bambos Kyriacou (Head of Dept.. Genetics, University of Leicester) who talked about the evolution of life from the pre-biotic world; how simple molecules such as amino acids arose from the primeval ‘soup’ and eventually led to the the development of DNA and the evolution of replication.

Prof. Godfrey Hewitt (Professor of Evolutionary Genetics, UEA) talked about evolutionary genetics, genetic diversity and the mechanisms of evolution.

Dr. Robert Foley (Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, University of Cambridge) discussed the patterns of human evolution. When did we become human? Why is Africa so central to our evolutionary history? Are humans as they are because of natural selection?

Prof. Steve Jones (University College London) is well known, not only for his science, but for his popular writing and broadcasting. He considered whether – because of our intervention – the evolutionary process might now be at an end. “Genetics answers all the questions about the human condition except for the interesting ones”

The afternoon was spent in practical work and demonstrations concerning genetic sequences and relatedness between species and individuals. After amplifying DNA samples collected from the teachers in the morning, by using standard DNA gel electrophoresis, the teachers could suggest the degree of relatedness between the individuals from whom the samples came. All the samples were anonymous and subsequently destroyed.