Mitochondrial genome sequence and gene order of Sipunculus nudus give additional support for an inclusion of Sipuncula into Annelida
2009
Mitochondrial Genome of Sipunculus nudus Supports Its Inclusion in Annelida
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Mwinyi Adina, Meyer Achim, Bleidorn Christoph, Lieb Bernhard, Bartolomaeus Thomas, Podsiadlowski Lars
Hypothesis
Does the mitochondrial genome of Sipunculus nudus provide evidence for its inclusion in the Annelida phylum?
Conclusion
The mitochondrial sequence data support a close relationship of Annelida and Sipuncula.
Supporting Evidence
- The mitochondrial gene order resembles that of annelids.
- All 37 genes characteristic for metazoan mtDNA were detected.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows significant bootstrap support for Annelida sensu lato.
Takeaway
Scientists studied the DNA of a marine worm called Sipunculus nudus and found that it is closely related to segmented worms, which means they might belong to the same family.
Methodology
The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced and analyzed for gene order and phylogenetic relationships.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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