Introduction
Phylogenetic trees are ways of organizing species based on the evidence we have for their evolutionary relationship [1]. Phylogenetic trees can be drawn from many sources of data. In the past trees would usually be drawn using physical characteristics of organisms but those failed to sometimes accurately capture more likely patterns of descent because they were extremely limited in what could be observed. Modern trees use chemical and genomic data to infer evolutionary relationships and historical species branching [2].
When a branch of the tree splits it indicates a speciation event where 2 species diverged from a common ancestor. Based on how long ago two species shared their most recent common ancestor we can infer how closely related those two species are. Differences in protein and genetic sequences are how we look for where related species might have branched off from their common ancestor.
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Results
Discussion
RAB27A homologs can be found in a diverse range of species. Proteins are present not only in just mammals and are found across the tree of life in other groups such as fish and even some invertebrates. The presence of the protein in so many different types of organisms indicates that it likely originally evolved some time ago and has been conserved in many species since it introduction. The presence of the protein in so many organisms is also evidence that the protein performs some important functions in many different forms of life.
References
[1]“Phylogenetic Trees | Evolutionary Tree (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-evolution/hs-phylogeny/a/phylogenetic-trees.
[2]Rintoul, David, and Robert Bear. “Taxonomy and Phylogeny.” OpenStax CNX, cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:EmlvXoDL@7/Taxonomy-and-phylogeny.
Images
Tree Explanation: 6a7912e4f113f2e0dde68a8292aa06170e1cff00.png
[1]“Phylogenetic Trees | Evolutionary Tree (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-evolution/hs-phylogeny/a/phylogenetic-trees.
[2]Rintoul, David, and Robert Bear. “Taxonomy and Phylogeny.” OpenStax CNX, cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:EmlvXoDL@7/Taxonomy-and-phylogeny.
Images
Tree Explanation: 6a7912e4f113f2e0dde68a8292aa06170e1cff00.png
The web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison