Evolution of ribonuclease H genes in prokaryotes to avoid inheritance of redundant genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A theoretical model of genetic redundancy has proposed that the fates of redundant genes depend on the degree of functional redundancy, and that functionally redundant genes will not be inherited together. However, no example of actual gene evolution has been reported that can be used to test this model. Here, we analyzed the molecular evolution of the ribonuclease H (RNase H) family in prokaryotes and used the results to examine the implications of functional redundancy for gene evolution.

Results

In prokaryotes, RNase H has been classified into RNase HI, HII, and HIII on the basis of amino acid sequences. Using 353 prokaryotic genomes, we identified the genes encoding the RNase H group and examined combinations of these genes in individual genomes. We found that

SUBMITTER: Kochiwa H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1950709 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature