Molecular Evolution Evidence for Monophyly of Metazoa [Paperback]

This volume concentrates on the origin of multicellular animals, Metazoa. Until now, no unequivocal phylogeny has been produced. Therefore, the questions remain: Did Metazoa evolve from the Protozoa only once, or several times? Is the origin of animals monophyletic or polyphyletic? Especially the relationships between the existing lower metazoan phyla, particularly the Porifera (sponges) are uncertain. Based on sequence data of genes typical for multicellularity it is demonstrated that all Metazoa, including Porifera, should be placed into the kingdom Animalia together with the Eumetazoa. Therefore it is most likely that all animals are of monophyletic origin.This volume concentrates on the origin of multicellular animals, Metazoa. Until now, no unequivocal phylogeny has been produced. Therefore, the questions remain: Did Metazoa evolve from the Protozoa only once, or several times? Is the origin of animals monophyletic or polyphyletic? Especially the relationships between the existing lower metazoan phyla, particularly the Porifera (sponges) are uncertain. Based on sequence data of genes typical for multicellularity it is demonstrated that all Metazoa, including Porifera, should be placed into the kingdom Animalia together with the Eumetazoa. Therefore it is most likely that all animals are of monophyletic origin.Transition from Protozoa to Metazoa: An Experimental Approach.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Proteins Present in All Biotic Regna.- 2.1 Reproduction.- 2.2 Growth and Development.- 2.3 Energy Utilization.- 2.4 Response to the Environment.- 2.5 Homeostasis.- 2.6 Evolutionary Adaptation.- 3 Monophyly of Metazoa.- 4 Origin of Metazoan Genes and Proteins.- 4.1 Introns.- 4.2 Protein Modules.- 5 Evolution of Metazoan Genes.- 5.1 Sponge: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase.- 5.2 Tunicate: Immunolectin  Antigen Receptor.- 5.2.1 Immunolectin.- 5.2.2 Antigen Receptor.- 5.3 Protein Kinases.- 5.3.1 Ser/Thr Kinases.- 5.3.2 Tyr Kinases.- 5.3.3 Relationship Between Ser/Thr and Tyr Kinases.- l/