Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification: Institute Name

Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification 0
6/22/2022
Role of Molecular Biology
in Evolutionary
Classification
Name
Institute Name
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the critical inheritance-carrying molecule located in
each cell nucleus. Before discovering and applying DNA in organisms’ classification,
scientists used morphological features to describe and classify organisms. But this idea can
lead to difficulties, particularly with similar-looking organisms (Gillings & Wesroby, 2014).
In the subsequent years, more research and studies culminated in the successful
sequencing of DNA bases, defining an organism's heritage. Evolution is the change of species
in development over time. DNA discovery as a classification system in the early 2000s and
the subsequent human genome mapping changed the taxonomical game together.
During the years when the molecular vision of life was emerging, it might have
seemed to the outside observer that the connection between molecular biology and
evolutionary biology was plain sailing. Both the evolutionary biologists who adopted the
Modern Synthesis and the new band of molecular biologists were convinced that all
organisms shared common mechanisms that could explain their properties and their
evolution. 4.Darwinism was central to the thinking of Max Delbrück, one of the leaders of the
phage group which was so active in the development of molecular biology.
The classification approach used by most modern biological taxonomists is
phylogenetics and the most used method is cladistics, which is fixed in Darwinian
evolutionary theory. Classifications “based solely on the criterion of resemblance or
similarity between specimens...” (Rivero, 2016, p. 52) are known as phenetics.
The second issue with current biological classification is that today almost any
individual bacterial or fungal isolate or plant or animal can be distinguished from any other
individual using DNA sequencing. Based on partial or complete genome sequences,
organisms can then be assigned to intraspecific classes. However, there is no general system
to define intraspecific classes based on DNA similarity and there are no general rules to name
such classes making it impossible to take full advantage of genome sequencing for
intraspecies classification.
Genome sequencing offers us the opportunity today to precisely identify any
individual bacterial clone or virus or individual plant, animal, or human. However, so far, we
have not been able to take full advantage of the precision of genome sequencing for
classification and naming because the current biological classification and naming system is
based on the species as the basic unit. A genome code system like the one proposed here in
could fill that need; it would provide the means to use genome sequencing to identify and
systematically name any individual life form. Therefore, applying genome codes would not
only be advantageous in basic research but it would be instrumental in all areas where precise
identification and naming of organisms is important, from public health to animal and plant
breeding to biodiversity surveys, forensics, and ancestry research.
The potential for DNA and molecular biology to affect the future of evolutionary
classification is limitless. Advancements in DNA and genome sequencing and editing are
already at an advanced stage. This technology will play a key role in artificial evolutionary
manipulation (Herrera, Garcia-Bertrand, 2016). In sum, the vehicle of evolution, DNA, is
being modified directly by human intervention. The human species will be able to genetically
modify itself in a controlled manner. That perspective offers enormous possibilities for
determining our biological future and evolution. DNA technology offers a new social
paradigm and will be able to completely change the very essence of the human being.
REFERENCE
Darwin C (1859) On the origin of species by means of natural selection, or the preservation
of favored races in the struggle for life. London.
Morange, M. (2020). The black box of biology ([edition unavailable]). Harvard university
press. Retrieved from https://www.perlego.com/book/3119942/the-black-box-of-
biology-pdf (Original work published 2020)
Posada D, Crandall KA (2002) The effect of recombination on the accuracy of phylogeny
estimation. J Mol Evol 54: 396–402.

Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification: Institute Name

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification: Institute Name

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification: Institute Name

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Role of Molecular Biology in Evolutionary Classification 0

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the critical inheritance-carrying molecule located in

phage group which was so active in the development of molecular biology.

The classification approach used by most modern biological taxonomists is

evolutionary theory. Classifications “based solely on the criterion of resemblance or

similarity between specimens...” (Rivero, 2016, p. 52) are known as phenetics.

individual using DNA sequencing. Based on partial or complete genome sequences,

Genome sequencing offers us the opportunity today to precisely identify any

breeding to biodiversity surveys, forensics, and ancestry research.

manipulation (Herrera, Garcia-Bertrand, 2016). In sum, the vehicle of evolution, DNA, is

of favored races in the struggle for life. London.

Morange, M. (2020). The black box of biology ([edition unavailable]). Harvard university

press. Retrieved from https://www.perlego.com/book/3119942/the-black-box-of-

biology-pdf (Original work published 2020)

Posada D, Crandall KA (2002) The effect of recombination on the accuracy of phylogeny

estimation. J Mol Evol 54: 396–402.

You might also like