Taxonomy
There are numerous varieties of animals and many persons are engaged in taxonomic work. As such there is every possibility of some confusion in nomenclature. Such a confusion did occur in the past. The same name has been given to different animals and different names have been given to the same animal. Linnaeus used some [...]
Continue reading about What are the basic Rules of Nomenclature
The species is the smallest category in classification. Species form a genus, genera a family, families an order, orders a class and the classes are combined into phyla. Several intermediate steps in classification are inserted to clarify the complexities of animal or plant relationships. The class may be divided into sub-classes, each containing several orders; [...]
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This is a large question that has been very controversial, but as more and more animals are studied using an increasing number of different molecules, confidence in molecular taxonomy is growing fast also. An indication of the advantages and disadvantages of using molecules may still be useful. Advantages 1. Hie equivalence of data, since the [...]
Gene products The differences between proteins can be revealed and estimated using gel electrophoresis, a technique invented before the genetic material itself became accessible for direct study. Techniques applied to DNA directly are now more commonly used. DNA hybridisation The paired strands of DNA dissociate when heated because the bonds between corresponding nucleotides are broken. [...]
Continue reading about How is molecular information obtained for molecular phylogeny?
Early work used the proteins which are produced by gene action, but recent work has concentrated on DNA, the genes themselves. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) The genes coding for the RNA of ribosomes (rRNA), most often the small subunit 18SrRNA, are used (the gene is called 18SrDNA). This gene is very highly conserved, i.e. has changed [...]
Continue reading about Which molecules are used for molecular taxonomy?
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