About this event
All the biological instructions for making an organism are contained in a long molecule called DNA.
All living things, from humans and mice to plants and bacteria, have a unique set of instructions written in the four chemical letters of DNA: A, C, G, and T. It’s like a recipe book but written in code. Sequence of the DNA code is now central to study of human evolution.
Genome sequences tell us how we differ genetically from other apes, and from one another. Small differences in the DNA code can alter the outcome of the instruction, like giving some people brown eyes and other people blue eyes.
These differences are known as genetic variation. It is this variation that makes us all unique, whether in terms of hair colour, skin colour or the shape of our faces.
Researching DNA and comparing lots of genomes helps us to identify where there are differences in our genomes and what effects these differences may have on physical characteristics and our health.
Using sequences from diverse present-day people, as well as ancient DNA of our ancestors, we will see how a rare African ape expanded over the whole world, constantly splitting into different populations, and then mixed again with whoever they met without prejudice.
We will look at the DNA pattern and try to understand how our past migrations and evolutionary history shaped our genetic diversity globally and in the British Isles. This activity demonstrates the concept of genetic variation within a population. It encourages participants to investigate some variable physical characteristics and consider if they are the result of genetic variation.
They will learn how differences in the DNA code can have an impact on our appearance, from our taste perception to earwax type.
This talk is part of the wider engagement program for TAKDAJA's new performance: 'Three Billion Letters (working title)' funded by Arts Council England.
Accessibility at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre:
The Centre's accessibility statement is here.
Covid and mpox safety at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre:
To keep our community safe, we ask that all visitors do not visit the Centre if they are feeling any Covid-19 and/or mpox symptoms including headache, fever, sore throat, consistent cough, chills and unusual spots, scabs or ulcers.
You can wear a mask if you feel more comfortable. We also have masks and hand sanitiser available at the Centre.
For current information on Covid and mpox please visit the NHS website.