Factors Impacting Mutation Rates in Mitochondrial DNA with Relevance to Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Modern Human Common Ancestry

• R. David

  Author

The marked genetic divergence observed between archaic and modern humans is a challenge to explain within the timeframe of the Biblical genealogies. However, emerging evidence suggests that environmental pollutants and intrinsic physiological susceptibilities may have elevated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation rates in Homo neanderthalensis and Denisovans. Discoveries regarding aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) sensitivity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure from controlled fire, environmental lead bioaccumulation, and the functional disruption of DNA polymerase gamma (Pol γ) are useful for understanding mechanisms causing accelerated mtDNA divergence. These factors provide a plausible explanation for mtDNA divergence between modern and archaic humans within a timeframe that fits the Biblical genealogies.

1. R. David

   Rebekah Davis is an independent researcher and biblical creationist who hosts the active YouTube channel Examining Origins. She is passionate about examining the scientific evidence surrounding origins and highlighting the scientific problems and challenges to the theory of evolution.

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