Positive Selection in Plant Gene Families
Author Information
Author(s): Christian Roth, David A. Liberles
Primary Institution: University of Bergen
Hypothesis
What are the patterns of positive selection in higher plant gene families?
Conclusion
Positive selection was detected in specific gene families along specific lineages, indicating a small but significant part of plant genome evolution.
Supporting Evidence
- Out of 673 families, 490 had at least one branch with Ka/Ks >> 1.
- Positive selection was detected in a small and nonrandom minority of gene families.
- The highest Ka/Ks ratio recorded was 7.21 for a ferredoxin in maize and rice.
Takeaway
Scientists studied plant genes to see which ones changed a lot over time, and they found some that are really important for how plants adapt.
Methodology
The study analyzed 138,662 embryophyte sequences and calculated Ka/Ks ratios to detect positive selection in gene families.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on genome annotations and EST sequences.
Limitations
The analysis was limited to gene families from only two fully sequenced genomes, which may not represent all plant diversity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<10e - 4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website