Phylogenetic Relationships within the Tetrahymena pyriformis Complex

四膜虫属是纤毛虫的重要类群 原生动物，可能是从小修改下降， 最早的真核生物 该属的物种有 实验室常用的微生物。 克利福德·布伦克博士建议 获得7到10个物种的肌动蛋白基因的DNA序列 的属，并使用这些序列数据来重建其 祖先和后代的关系 这种进化框架 将为将来研究其他基因奠定基础 在这些物种中。 不同进化阶段的进化速率 然后可以比较基因，从而更好地了解 分子进化的机制 获得的序列 也可以与其他早期真核生物相比， 揭示了它们的进化关系 拟议中的研究具有超越狭隘的影响， 纤毛虫系统学领域。 这项研究将阐明 在这个早期群体的进化模式，并将导致一个 真核生物辐射的更清晰图像。 这个项目 将有助于更好地理解基因是如何复制的， 在很长一段时间内在一个单一的血统中进化。

The genus Tetrahymena is an important group of ciliate protozoans, possibly descended with little modification from the earliest eukaryotic organisms. Species of this genus are commonly used laboratory organisms. Dr. Clifford Brunk proposes to obtain the DNA sequences of the actin gene in 7 to 10 species of the genus, and to use these sequence data to reconstruct their ancestor-descendant relationships. This evolutionary framework will form the foundation for future studies of other gene sequences in these species. Rates of evolution in different genes can then be compared, leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms of molecular evolution. The sequences obtained can also be compared with those of other early eukaryotes to reveal their evolutionary relationships. The proposed research has implications beyond the narrow field of ciliate systematics. The research will illuminate the pattern of evolution in this early group, and will lead to a clearer picture of the radiation of eukaryotes. This project will lead to a better understanding of how genes replicate and evolve within a single lineage over long periods of time.