What is Molecular Phylogeny?
Molecular phylogeny is the inference of lines of ancestry for organisms based on DNA, RNA, or protein sequences for those organisms obtained in the laboratory. The primary assumption in all phylogenetic analyses is that all organisms are actually related, and that the real problem is that of determining just how close or distant the relationship is, and via what evolutionary tree the current organisms evolved. What is the mechanism for change in DNA? The main mechanism for change is the occurance of point mutations that occur over time. These may be deletion or insertion types combined with substitutions that alter the amino acid sequence of a protein. Activity IV – DNA and Phylogeny This activity must be completed in Mr. Fuller’s lab. The material for the activity will be available throughout the ISU. Students may choose to complete this activity on their own or in groups of no greater than THREE students. The video Genetic Toolkit (QT, RP) will help you understand the influence of ge
