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Multi-species Conserved Sequences

Multi-species Conserved Sequences

Next-generation sequencing technologies have created large genomic databases of a variety of animals and plants. Ever since the human genome project was completed, scientists studied the genome of primates, mammals, and other phylogenetically distant living beings. Such large-scale studies have provided new insights into the evolutionary relationship between organisms.
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...

Gene Duplication and Divergence

Gene Duplication and Divergence

The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.

Conserved Binding Sites

Conserved Binding Sites

Many proteins’ biological role depends on their interactions with their ligands, small molecules that bind to specific locations on the protein known as ligand-binding sites. Ligand-binding sites are often conserved among homologous proteins as these sites are critical for protein function.
Binding sites are often located in large pockets, and if their location on a protein’s surface is unknown, it can be predicted using various approaches. The energetic method computationally analyses the...

Conserved Binding Sites

Conserved Binding Sites

Many proteins’ biological role depends on their interactions with their ligands, small molecules that bind to specific locations on the protein known as ligand-binding sites. Ligand-binding sites are often conserved among homologous proteins as these sites are critical for protein function.
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Eukaryotic Evolution

Eukaryotic Evolution

The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...

Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins

Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins

Protein domains are small structurally independent units that are part of a single amino acid chain. Although these domains are often structurally independent, they may rely on synergistic effects to perform their functions as part of a larger protein. Protein domains may be conserved within the same organism, as well as across different organisms.
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions

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Developmental timing: let-7 function conserved through evolution.

Jason M Tennessen¹, Carl S Thummel

¹Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-5330, USA.

Current Biology : CB

|August 30, 2008

Summary

The microRNA let-7 acts as a conserved developmental timer, regulating the transition from juvenile to adult stages. Studies in Drosophila confirm its role in controlling the timing of animal development.

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Area of Science:

Developmental biology
Genetics
Molecular biology

Background:

The microRNA let-7 is known to be expressed during development.
Its expression levels correlate with the onset of adulthood in various species.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the function of the microRNA let-7 as a developmental timer.
To confirm the hypothesis that let-7 is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of developmental timing.

Main Methods:

Utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.
Analyzing the expression patterns and functional consequences of let-7.

Main Results:

Experimental evidence in Drosophila supports the role of let-7 in regulating developmental timing.
The findings confirm let-7's function as a conserved developmental timer.

Conclusions:

The microRNA let-7 is a key molecular component of the developmental clock.
Its conserved function highlights its importance in the evolution of animal life cycles.