Molecular Evolution Activities
 

This is a comprehensive bibliography (under construction) of primary and secondary sources on the neutral theory of molecular evolution. It currently covers the period 1973-2001.

Author :

Bulmer, M.;Wolfe, K. H.;Sharp, P. M.

Year :

1991

Title :

Synonymous Nucleotide Substitution Rates in Mammalian Genes - Implications for the Molecular Clock and the Relationship of Mammalian Orders

Journal :

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Volume :

88

Issue :

14

Pages :

5974-5978

Date :

Jul

Short Title :

Synonymous Nucleotide Substitution Rates in Mammalian Genes - Implications for the Molecular Clock a

Alternate Journal :

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.

Custom 2 :

ISI:A1991FW76100008

Abstract :

Synonymous substitution rates have been estimated for 58 genes compared among primates, artiodactyls, and rodents. Although silent sites might be expected to be neutral, there is substantial rate variation among genes within each lineage. Some of the rate variation is associated with G+C content: genes with intermediate G+C values have the highest rates. Nevertheless, considerable heterogeneity remains after correcting for G+C content. Synonymous substitution rates also vary among lineages, but the relative rates of genes are well conserved in different lineages. Certain genes have also been sequenced in a fourth order (lagomorph or carnivore), and these data have been used to investigate mammalian phylogeny. Data on lagomorphs are consistent with a star phylogeny, but there is evidence that carnivores and artiodactyls are sister groups. Genes sequenced in both rat and mouse suggest that the increased substitution rate in rodents has occurred since the rat/mouse divergence.

Notes :

Times Cited: 85 FW761 PROC NAT ACAD SCI USA
 -- contributed by John Beatty, March 29, 2002