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Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
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The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
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Single-Molecule Dwell-Time Analysis of Restriction Endonuclease-Mediated DNA Cleavage
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Published on: February 7, 2021

Time-dependent rates of molecular evolution.

Simon Y W Ho1, Robert Lanfear, Lindell Bromham

  • 1Centre for Macroevolution and Macroecology, Evolution Ecology & Genetics, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. simon.ho@sydney.edu.au

Molecular Ecology
|July 12, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Molecular evolution rates vary with measurement timescale. Studies show mutation rates can exceed long-term substitution rates, a pattern supported by evidence across diverse species but still debated.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular evolution
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The rate of morphological evolution is known to vary with the timescale of measurement.
  • Recent studies suggest molecular evolution rates are also time-dependent, with mutation rates exceeding long-term substitution rates.
  • This time-dependency hypothesis is supported by some evidence but remains contentious.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of current understanding regarding time-dependent molecular evolution rates.
  • To summarize evidence for time-dependent rates in animals, bacteria, and viruses.
  • To review factors influencing these rate variations and challenges in molecular clock calibration.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on molecular evolution rates across different timescales.
  • Analysis of evidence for time-dependent rates in various organisms (animals, bacteria, viruses).
  • Discussion of biological and methodological factors affecting rate estimates.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports time-dependent rates in molecular evolution across diverse taxa.
  • Factors such as natural selection, calibration errors, and model misspecification contribute to rate variations.
  • Challenges exist in accurately calibrating molecular rates on intermediate timescales.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular evolution rates are demonstrably dependent on the timescale of measurement.
  • Understanding these time-dependent rates is crucial for accurate evolutionary timescale estimations.
  • Accurate calibration on intermediate timescales is essential for reliable molecular clock applications.