How potatoes influenced human DNA - study
Scientists have found that potatoes, which entered the human diet about 10,000 years ago in the Andes, may have influenced human DNA. The study showed that indigenous Andean peoples have on average 2-4 more copies of the AMY1 gene, linked to starch digestion, than other populations. This indicates genetic adaptation to starch absorption.
Scientists have found that potatoes, which entered the human diet about 10,000 years ago in the Andes, may have influenced human DNA. A new study, reported by Popular Science, showed that modern descendants of ancient Andean inhabitants have the highest number of genes related to digesting starchy foods in the world. Researchers examined the number of copies of the AMY1 gene in 3,723 participants representing 85 populations worldwide. This gene is responsible for producing salivary amylase, an enzyme that begins breaking down starch in the mouth. The analysis showed that indigenous Andean peoples have on average 2-4 more copies of AMY1 than members of other studied populations. According to scientists, such genetic adaptation may have formed around the time potato cultivation began. Co-author Omer Gokcumen, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Buffalo, noted that scientists have long suspected that dietary changes could contribute to the formation of certain genetic traits. Researchers believe the findings offer a new perspective on the link between diet and human evolution. Co-author Abigail Bigham highlights the popular concept of the paleo diet, which claims the human body is not designed for foods that appeared after the transition to agriculture. However, the study results suggest otherwise.