The Evolution of Genes Science Fair Projects

Mutation

Evolution of characteristics can be caused by mutations. Mutations occur naturally and when cells are exposed to toxins or pathogens.

DNA Extraction	Student's Microscopes

Objectives/Goals

This study viewed the evolution of genes related to Serine Protease Inhibitor Activity throughout several species of Drosophila. The goal was to extend the theoretical predictions of sequence comparisons by appropriate molecular and genetic experiments.

Methods/Materials

Blast searches were done of the sequences of all genes related to serine protease inhibitors. E values and scores of all Drosophila species were recorded and missing spaces were filled with repeated in-depth blast searches. Drosophila melanogaster species was grown in lab cultures and analyzed for gene expression. Materials included Drosophila cultures, molecular biology equipment, reagents, and computer.

Results

Results showed in genes: Spn43Ad-PA, Acp62F, CG12807, and CG6663; in one or two drosophila species, the gene was either completely absent, or very close to non-existent. Species pseudoobscura turned out much different from any other species for several of the genes. Genes: Spn43Aa, Cg3790, PlxA, Tep11, Az2, Spn27a, CG14470, and CG1342 were very slow evolving and were found with seemingly no change between all species. Genes Acp76-Pa and Bg642378-Pb evolved very rapidly, and were found with varying change between all species. I attempted to demonstrate experimentally that the fastest evolving genes have functions related to reproduction.

Conclusions/Discussion

Sequence analysis across species was found to be a powerful method to identify genes with similar functions. In particular, the demonstration that some of the previously uncharacterized fastest evolving genes may have to do with reproduction, is consistent with their species specific function. 3rd party contributor