Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
cytochrome b, Elapidae, venomous snake, cyt-b
College
Life Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
DNA sequences provide a wealth of information that allows systematists to better understand the phylogenetic history of the earth’s current biota. Some genes are better suited for phylogenetic studies than others, and one that has been commonly used is the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. Cytochrome b (cyt-b) is a membrane-bound protein that is the central catalytic subunit of the Q-cycle in the electron transport chain (Zhang et al., 1998). The structure and function of cyt-b has been studied extensively and is well understood (Degli Esposti et al., 1993). Changes within cyt-b have been studied at the nucleotide, amino acid and domain levels. Previous studies have shown the distinct functional domains to have differing evolutionary rates because of the different imposed constraints that influence the evolution of the domains (Irwin et al. 1991; Griffiths, 1997; McClellan and McCracken, 2001).
Recommended Citation
Leavitt, Dean H. and McClellan, Dr. David A.
(2014)
"Evolution of Cytochrome b in Elapidae (Squamata: Serpentes),"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 748.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/748