Consider a Hypothetical Enzyme-Coding Gene and Sequences of the Gene

question 233

Short Answer

Consider a hypothetical enzyme-coding gene and sequences of the gene from several species of rodents.The figure shows the rates of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions for each of four regions of the gene. Which region is under the strongest purifying selection?

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Definitions:

Vitiligo

A condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells, resulting in discolored patches.

Papillary Layer

The upper layer of the dermis that contains blood capillaries, sensory neurons, and the bases of the hair follicles.

Dermis

The dermis is the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.

Tyrosinase

An enzyme critical in the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine by oxidation.