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Recombination Rate and AT-content Show Opposite Correlations in Mammalian and Other Animal Genomes

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Abstract

Genomes are often characterized by their genome size, recombination rate and nucleotide content. Negative correlations of recombination rate and AT-content have been reported for selected species. Here we investigate 26 completely sequenced animal genomes with respect to their genomic characteristics. After correcting for phylogenetic correlations we find significant correlations between these characters, showing that these do not evolve independently. The genomes of mammals differ when compared to other animal genomes. Correlations between AT-content and recombination rate are negative, but only for mammals. All other animals show a positive correlation for these characters. These results show that studies on the relationship between genome characteristics using single species might lead to the right conclusion, but cannot be applied as a general rule to all taxonomic groups.

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  1. Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität, Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06099, Halle (Saale), Germany

    H. Michael G. Lattorff & Robin F. A. Moritz

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  1. H. Michael G. Lattorff
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  2. Robin F. A. Moritz
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Correspondence to H. Michael G. Lattorff.

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Lattorff, H.M.G., Moritz, R.F.A. Recombination Rate and AT-content Show Opposite Correlations in Mammalian and Other Animal Genomes. Evol Biol 35, 146–149 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11692-008-9019-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11692-008-9019-6

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