Searching for convergent evolution in manganese superoxidase dismutase using hydrophobic cluster analysis.

ABSTRACT: There are numerous examples of convergent evolution in nature. Major ecological adaptations such as flight, loss of limbs in vertebrates, pesticide resistance, adaptation to a parasitic way of life, etc., have all evolved more than once, as seen by their analogous functions in separate taxa. But what about protein evolution? Does the environment have a strong enough influence on intracellular processes that enzymes and other functional proteins play, to evolve similar functional roles separately in different organisms? Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) is a manganesedependant metallo-enzyme which plays a crucial role in protecting cells from anti-oxidative stress by eliminating reactive (superoxide) oxygen species. It is a ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme found in nearly all organisms.

SUBMITTER: Xiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4094605 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature