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Germline mutation determines rates of molecular evolution, genetic diversity, and fitness load. In humans, the average point mutation rate is 1.2 × 10(-8) per base pair per generation, with every additional year of father's age contributing two mutations across the genome and males contributing three to four times as many mutations as females. To assess whether such patterns are shared with our closest living relatives, we sequenced the genomes of a nine-member pedigree of Western chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes verus. Our results indicate a mutation rate of 1.2 × 10(-8) per base pair per generation, but a male contribution seven to eight times that of females and a paternal age effect of three mutations per year of father's age. Thus, mutation rates and patterns differ between closely related species.

Original publication

DOI

10.1126/science.344.6189.1272

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

13/06/2014

Volume

344

Pages

1272 - 1275

Keywords

Animals, Chromosome Mapping, Evolution, Molecular, Female, Genetic Variation, Germ-Line Mutation, Male, Models, Genetic, Models, Statistical, Pan troglodytes, Pedigree, Sex Factors