Insertions and duplications of mtDNA in the nuclear genomes of Old World monkeys and hominoids
Article Abstract:
Evolutionary analysis of two different cytochrome b nuclear pseudogenes from orangutan cellular DNA, sequenced and amplified from oligonucleotide primers similar to mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), indicates a nuclear transfer. The transfer appears be nearly 30 million years old, on the lineage leading to Old World monkeys and hominoids. The pseudogenes appear to be duplicates of a single transferred segment of mtDNA. Experimental results suggest that contamination with human nuclear DNA is the source of the cytochrome b sequences 'in dinosaur bone DNA.'
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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The powers and pitfalls of parsimony
Article Abstract:
Parsimony analysis is used to construct phylogenetic trees using the simplest explanations or similar characteristics possible to study biological evolution. However, three types of characteristic similarities may create false trees if they are not accurately identified: shared-ancestral characters, shared-derived characters and homoplasies. Computer programs have been developed to do parsimony analysis, but they are unable to distinguish between the characteristic types and so may lead to errors if the methods are not completely understood.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Active ancestral molecules
Article Abstract:
Site-directed mutagenesis of genes coding for inferred protein sequences and their expression in bacterial cells helped analyze the physical and chemical properties of these active ancestral ribonucleases. These reconstructed ribonucleases showed distinct properties corresponding to the ancient artiodactyl ancestors that are characterized by increased catalytic activity and low thermostability.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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