Intron existence predated the divergence of eukaryotes and prokaryotes

Science. 1988 Nov 25;242(4882):1164-6. doi: 10.1126/science.3055302.

Abstract

Nucleotide sequences for the nuclear genes encoding chloroplast (GapA and GapB) and cytosolic (GapC) glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDHs) from Arabidopsis thaliana were determined. Comparison of nucleotide sequences indicates that the divergence of chloroplast and cytosolic GAPDH genes preceded the divergence of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In addition, some intron-exon junctions are conserved among GapB, GapC, and chicken GAPDH genes. These results provide evidence at the molecular level to support the idea that introns existed before the divergence of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Cells*
  • Chickens / genetics
  • Chloroplasts / enzymology
  • Cytosol / enzymology
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Eukaryotic Cells*
  • Exons
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / genetics*
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / metabolism
  • Introns*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • NAD / metabolism
  • NADP / metabolism
  • Plants / genetics
  • Prokaryotic Cells*

Substances

  • NAD
  • NADP
  • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases