Explore molecular evolution - the study of evolutionary changes at the molecular level. Learn through interactive visualizations, simulations, and detailed examples.
Molecular evolution is the study of evolutionary changes at the molecular level, primarily through the analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein sequences. It examines how genetic sequences change over time and how these changes contribute to evolutionary processes such as speciation, adaptation, and the emergence of new functions.
Interactive visualization showing the molecular clock hypothesis and rate of sequence divergence
Visualization of evolutionary relationships and phylogenetic tree construction
Align homologous DNA, RNA, or protein sequences to identify similarities and differences.
Detect nucleotide or amino acid substitutions, insertions, and deletions.
Measure evolutionary distance based on sequence divergence.
Build evolutionary trees showing relationships between sequences.
Use molecular clock to estimate when lineages diverged.
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Molecular Evolution: Focuses on evolutionary changes at the molecular level, analyzing DNA/RNA/protein sequences.
Population Genetics: Studies genetic variation within populations and how allele frequencies change over time.
Molecular Evolution: Studies the processes that cause molecular changes over evolutionary time.
Phylogenetics: Focuses on reconstructing evolutionary relationships and building phylogenetic trees.
Molecular Evolution: Examines evolutionary processes at the molecular level across time.
Comparative Genomics: Compares entire genomes between different species at a specific point in time.
Comparative analysis of human and chimpanzee genomes reveals that they share approximately 98.8% of their DNA sequences. Using molecular clock analysis, scientists estimate that the human and chimpanzee lineages diverged approximately 5-7 million years ago.
Molecular Evolution Insights:
Result: Molecular evolution analysis provides precise estimates of divergence time and identifies genes under selection.
Analysis of HIV sequences using molecular evolution techniques revealed that HIV-1 group M originated from a single cross-species transmission from chimpanzees to humans around 1920 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus has since diversified into multiple subtypes.
Molecular Evolution Principles:
Result: Molecular evolution analysis traced the origin and spread of HIV, informing public health strategies.
The ability to digest lactose in adulthood (lactase persistence) evolved independently in multiple human populations through different mutations in regulatory regions near the lactase gene. Molecular evolution analysis shows this trait evolved around 7,500-10,000 years ago in association with animal domestication.
Molecular Evolution Principles:
Result: Molecular evolution reveals how human cultural practices shaped genetic evolution.
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