Comments by "Theodore Shulman" (@ColonelFredPuntridge) on "The Genes We Lost Along the Way" video.

  1. Actually, I recall reading that there is a biochemical benefit we get from NOT having the enzyme which would catalyze the final step in synthesis of vitamin C. I can't remember where I read this or what the benefit is, and in any case it's technical and wouldn't mean anything to most viewers, but the enzyme which used to catalyze the final reaction in the multi-step biosynthesis of vitamin-C, which lemurs still have, also catalyzes another reaction which is in some way a little bit harmful. So IF a species or population has lots of vitamin C in its diet, and doesn't need to make its own vitamin C, then it's BETTER for that species or popuation to have that final enzyme deactivated by a mutation. So nature selects FOR that mutation, so long as the species or population can get vitamin C from its food. And THAT is why our mutant gene which makes us unable to make our own vitamin C has survived and persisted, even though we have to drink orange juice now. So maybe we get the last laugh on the lemurs. They are paying a price for keeping their ability to make their own vitamin C.
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  2.  @perseusarkouda  Yes, that's how we lost our ability to make vitamin C!
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  3.  @d0fabur5st82  Well, I for one wouldn't mind having my butt muscles deformed a bit, at this point.
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