TitleFree left arms as precursor molecules in the evolution of Alu sequences.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1991
AuthorsJurka J, Zuckerkandl E
JournalJ Mol Evol
Volume33
Issue1
Pagination49-56
Date Published1991 Jul
ISSN0022-2844
KeywordsAnimals, Base Sequence, Biological Evolution, Consensus Sequence, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Nucleic Acid Precursors, Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
Abstract

The dimeric Alu molecule of human and other primates is composed of a left and a right arm that are very similar but show characteristic differences. If the Alu sequence has arisen through the fusion of monomeric precursor molecules, the traces of such precursor genes are expected still to be present in contemporary primate DNA. We report finding seven independent human DNA sequences that qualify as descendants of a left-arm precursor gene. Some characteristics in primary and secondary structures of these sequences are described.

DOI10.1007/bf02100195
Alternate JournalJ. Mol. Evol.
PubMed ID1909376