Evolution of GapC Genes in Chromalveolates
Author Information
Author(s): Takishita Kiyotaka, Yamaguchi Haruyo, Maruyama Tadashi, Inagaki Yuji
Primary Institution: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Hypothesis
The study proposes that multiple lateral gene transfer events explain the evolution of GapC genes in chromalveolates.
Conclusion
The research suggests that GapC genes in photosynthetic eukaryotes may have evolved through lateral gene transfer rather than vertical inheritance.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed that GapC1 genes are not necessarily inherited from a common ancestor.
- New GapC1 genes were identified from nine stramenopile and two cryptophyte species.
- Results indicated that lateral gene transfer events played a significant role in GapC1 evolution.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how certain genes evolved in algae and found that they might have been shared between different species instead of being passed down from a common ancestor.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on a dataset of GapC1 genes from various stramenopile and cryptophyte species.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of gene sequences and the interpretation of phylogenetic relationships.
Limitations
The study's conclusions are based on phylogenetic analyses that may not account for all possible evolutionary scenarios.
Statistical Information
P-Value
2×10−6
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website