Accelerated evolution in bacterial endosymbionts of aphids

Authors

  • Célia Buades Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Spain
  • José Manuel Michelena Department of Animal Biology, University of Valencia, Spain; and Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Spain
  • Amparo Latorre Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Spain; and Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Spain
  • Andrés Moya Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Spain; and Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Spain

Keywords:

Buchnera aphidicola, endosymbiosis, relative rate tests, b-subunit of F-ATPase complex, aphids

Abstract

When compared with free living bacteria, it is proposed that there are at least two endosymbiotic processes in aphids based on the A + T content as well as the increased evolutionary rate of the b-subunit of the F-ATPase complex in different endosymbiotic bacteria. The first well established process corresponds to the integration of Buchnera aphidicola more than 150 million years ago. The other is postulated to correspond to new endosymbiotic processes in which the bacteria involved contain less A + T and show a lower increase of evolutionary rates when compared with B. aphidicola. It is proposed, therefore, that endosymbioses are active processes in aphid evolution.

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Published

2010-03-17

Issue

Section

Review Articles