The proportion of genes in a functional category is linked to mass-specific metabolic rate and lifespan.

ABSTRACT: Metabolic rate and lifespan are important biological parameters that are studied in a wide range of research fields. They are known to correlate with body mass, but their association with gene (protein) functions is poorly understood. In this study, we collected data on the metabolic rate and lifespan of various organisms and investigated the relationship of these parameters with their genomes. We showed that the proportion of genes in a functional category, but not genome size, was correlated with mass-specific metabolic rate and maximal lifespan. In particular, the proportion of genes in oxic reactions (which occur in the presence of oxygen) was significantly associated with these two biological parameters. Additionally, we found that temperature, taxonomy, and mode-of-life traits had li

SUBMITTER: Takemoto K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4421859 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature