What are conserved sequences?
Q: What are conserved sequences?
A: Conserved sequences are similar or identical sequences that occur in DNA and cause sequences in RNA, proteins, and carbohydrates. These sequences occur across species, suggesting that they have been maintained in evolution despite speciation.
Q: What does it mean if a conserved sequence occurs further up the phylogenetic tree?
A: If a conserved sequence occurs further up the phylogenetic tree, it is more highly conserved. This means that it has remained largely unchanged for a longer period of time.
Q: What does a conserved sequence imply about the gene it represents?
A: A conserved sequence implies that there is a conserved gene. This is because sequence information is normally transmitted from parents to progeny by genes.
Q: When does conservation of a sequence happen?
A: Conservation of a sequence happens when mutations in a highly conserved region lead to non-viable life forms. In other words, the product of the gene is vital to life, and its function is destroyed by almost all changes (mutations) to the sequence.
Q: Why are conserved sequences important?
A: Conserved sequences are important because they provide evidence of the evolutionary relationships between organisms. They also suggest that the genes involved in these sequences are essential for life.
Q: How are conserved sequences transmitted from generation to generation?
A: Conserved sequences are normally transmitted from generation to generation by genes. This means that they are inherited from parents to progeny through DNA.
Q: Do all mutations in conserved sequences lead to non-viable life forms?
A: Yes, almost all mutations in highly conserved regions lead to non-viable life forms because the product of the gene is vital to life, and its function is destroyed by almost all changes to the sequence.
