Evolution of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II gene in primates and rodents
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1993
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Abstract
The genetics of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) gene was examined in an array of primates, rodents and representatives of other orders of placental mammals. Among primates these phylogenetic conclusions were supported: (1) tarsiers are sister to monkeys and apes, (2) the aye-aye is sister to a group containing all lemurs and lorises, (3) dwarf lemurs are more closely related to other lemurs than to lorises, and (4) the ring-tail lemur is sister to gentle lemurs (Hapalemur) rather than to other members of the genus Lemur. COII was inappropriate for addressing most systematic questions among rodents. In comparisons among orders of mammals, COII supported the monophyly of Chiroptera, in contrast to restricted claims that one suborder of bats is more closely related to primates. Relationships among orders could not be determined with a reasonable degree of confidence. In agreement with previous genetic studies of nuclear gene sequences, COII appeared to be evolving more rapidly in rodents than in artiodactyls. However, this difference was not statistically significant. COII and cytochrome c interact during respiration and both have been found to be evolving very rapidly in higher primates, where the COII gene has presumably undergone a change in conformation. The period of accelerated evolution was found to coincide with the origin of higher primates (monkeys and apes). The cytochrome c gene also underwent a period of rapid evolution during this period. These results suggest coevolution between a mitochondrial (COII) and nuclear (cytochrome c) genetic system.
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Major genetics