ISSN:
1432-1432
Keywords:
Key words: Actin —β-Thymosin — Ecdysozoa — Evolution — Metazoa — Phylogeny — Porifera —Sycon
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract. The definition of an Ecdysozoa clade among the protostomians, including all phyla with a regularly molted α-chitin-rich cuticle, has been one of the most provocative hypotheses to arise from recent investigations on animal phylogeny. Here we present evidence in favor of an arthropod-nematode clade, from the comparison of β-thymosin homologues among the Metazoa. Arthropods and nematodes share the absence of the highly conserved β-thymosin form found in all other documented bilaterian phyla as well as sponges, and the possession of a very unusual, internally triplicated homologue of the β-thymosin protein, unknown in other phyla. We argue that such discrete molecular character is phylogenetically very powerful and provides strong evidence for the monophyly of an arthropod-nematode clade.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002390010100
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