Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification

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Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification

An evolutionary classification is an essential tool used in classifying different organisms with the same features. It focuses on grouping different species of organisms into distinct classes based on their ancestry lines rather than the existence of similarities and differences in characteristics. In obtaining such information, a crucial component of the cell, DNA, is used in the process (Marakeby et al., 2014). Modern molecular techniques have made it possible to study the genetic material from different species to determine whether they belong in the same phylogenetic group. Therefore, through molecular biology, scientists can determine the evolutionary patterns and descendants between species (Kellenberger, 2004). This essay explores the role of molecular techniques in an evolutionary grouping.

Modern molecular techniques in conjunction with Darwin’s theory of decency have helped scientists to develop a reliable classification mechanism. Utilizing recently developed molecular techniques makes it possible to sequence virtually genomes for virtually every organism at significantly lower prices (Marakeby et al., 2014). Thus it is possible to analyze the degree of genetic diversity within a particular group of organisms. Recently, instrumental techniques termed as DNA shuffling has significantly enhanced the accuracy in analyzing the degree of genetic diversity. Gene shuffling is a molecular technique that involves the generation of the different formation of genes, primarily during meiosis. Another recent DNA tool that has been adopted in the classification of organisms is gene synthesis. It involves the synthetic creation of multiple copies of genes through a multistep process that continuously adds different nucleotides, forming a strand. This has especially been relevant in these genes that are difficult to isolate. Other contemporary tools such as DNA cloning, recombinant technology, and polymerase chain reaction have extensively been adopted in the analysis of genomes from different organisms, crucial for classification (Marakeby et al., 2014). Generally, it is accurate to state that modern molecular techniques have spearheaded the evolutionary classification, helping scientists understand the diversity within groups of organisms.

The DNA usually contains specific information that can be used to determine whether different organisms are related or not. Evolution is a progressive process that guarantees the survival of species. Survival is enhanced through gene mutations. Thus, those species with similar characteristics contain little to no differences in their DNA. Hence such information can be used to classify such organisms in the same group or ancestry path in the future. Through molecular biology, it is possible to determine the degree and origin of variation (Monaghan & Sartori, 2009). Additionally, comparative evaluation of gene and gene products provides detailed information regarding the variation design, common decency as well as overall evolutionary patterns. In the future, molecular biology can broaden our understanding of the evolutionary connection between species. Generally, both DNA and molecular biology have played a crucial role in the classification of organisms based on genetic variation (Monaghan & Sartori, 2009). This has helped us have a clear understanding of relationships between species based on their gnomes.

To sum up, evolutionary classification is a fundamental system used for differentiating and grouping organisms based on their features and genetic makeup. Thus, it is apparent that organisms that tend to have similarities shared the same ancestors before genetic mutations. Classification has been enhanced through advanced molecular techniques that utilize DNA.

References

Kellenberger, E. (2004). The evolution of molecular biology. EMBO Reports, 5(6), 546-549. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.embor.7400180

Marakeby, H., Badr, E., Torkey, H., Song, Y., Leman, S., & Monteil, C. et al. (2014). A System to Automatically Classify and Name Any Individual Genome-Sequenced Organism Independently of Current Biological Classification and Nomenclature. Plus ONE, 9(2), e89142. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089142

Monaghan, M., & Sartori, M. (2009). Genetic contributions to the study of taxonomy, ecology, and evolution of mayflies (Ephemeroptera): review and future perspectives. Aquatic Insects, 31(sup1), 19-39. https://doi.org/10.1080/01650420902734145