Abstract
The magnitude of differences which occur in the base sequence of DNAs from related animals was investigated through studies of four rodent DNAs. Fractionation on preparative CsCl density gradients and detailed examination of thermal denaturation profiles revealed the existence of several distinguishable components comprising the main band in addition to satellite bands. No difference was apparent in the distribution of unique and partially redundant sequences among these main band components, or in the apparent rate at which base substitution has occurred in evolution. Comparisons of sequence were also made by annealing reactions in solution at high concentration for extended periods with either labeled total mouse or rat DNA, or labeled unique sequences of mouse DNA. These experiments permitted assessment of the absolute extent of cross-reaction, as well as the extent of sequence divergence which had occurred between the two groups of interacting DNA molecules. Some implications of the apparent rapidity of nucleotide substitution in DNA are discussed.
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This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (GB 6099).
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McConaughy, B.L., McCarthy, B.J. Related base sequences in the DNA of simple and complex organisms. VI. The extent of base sequence divergence among the DNAs of various rodents. Biochem Genet 4, 425–446 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00485758
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00485758