State how comparing the amino acid sequence of a protein can provide evident that evolution has taken place.
A: If evolution has taken place, then, in general, species descended from a recent common ancestor should have fewer amino acid differences between their proteins than do species that share a common ancestor in the more distant past.
To compare the amino acid sequence of a protein and analyze the evidence of evolution, you can follow these steps:
1. Obtain amino acid sequences: Start by obtaining the amino acid sequences of the protein from different species that you want to compare. These sequences can be obtained from databases or through experimental methods such as DNA sequencing.
2. Align the sequences: Use a sequence alignment tool or software to align the amino acid sequences from different species. This step helps you find matching and equivalent positions in the sequences.
3. Count amino acid differences: Once you have aligned the sequences, analyze and count the differences in amino acid residues between the species. Amino acids are represented by specific symbols (e.g., A for alanine, C for cysteine, etc.), and changes in these symbols indicate differences in the amino acid composition.
4. Compare differences between species: Compare the number of amino acid differences between different species. If evolution has occurred, species that share a recent common ancestor should have fewer amino acid differences compared to species that share a common ancestor in the more distant past.
5. Analyze the pattern: Look for patterns in the amino acid differences. If there is a hierarchical pattern of differences, where species that are more closely related share fewer differences, this supports the idea that evolution has taken place.
6. Consider other factors: It's important to consider other factors such as genetic drift, natural selection, and functional constraints that can influence amino acid sequence changes. These factors can add complexity to the analysis and interpretation of the results.
By following these steps, you can analyze and compare the amino acid sequences of proteins to provide evidence of evolutionary relationships between species. Remember to consider multiple proteins and sequences to obtain more robust and conclusive results.