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- Title
Rooting the eukaryote tree by using a derived gene fusion.
- Authors
Stechmann, Alexandra; Cavalier-Smith, Thomas
- Abstract
Single-gene trees have failed to locate the root of the eukaryote tree because of systematic biases in sequence evolution. Structural genetic data should yield more reliable insights into deep phylogenetic relationships. We searched major protist groups for the presence or absence of a gene fusion in order to locate the root of the eukaryote tree. In striking contrast to previous molecular studies, we show that all eukaryote groups ancestrally with two cilia (bikonts) are evolutionarily derived. The root lies between bikonts and opisthokonts (animals, Fungi, Choanozoa). Amoebozoa either diverged even earlier or are sister of bikonts or (less likely) opisthokonts.
- Publication
Science (New York, N.Y.), 2002, Vol 297, Issue 5578, p89
- ISSN
1095-9203
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1126/science.1071196