Below are the amino acid sequences (using single letters; see Figure 5.14) of three short segments of the FOXP2 protein from five species. These segments contain all amino acid differences between the FOXP2 proteins of these species. Compare the amino acid sequences by answering parts (a)–(d).
Chimpanzee: PKSSD ... TSSTT ... NARRD
Mouse: PKSSE ... TSSTT ... NARRD
Gorilla: PKSSD ... TSSTT ... NARRD
Human: PKSSD ... TSSNT ... SARRD
Rhesus monkey: PKSSD ... TSSTT ... NARRD
Circle the names of any species that have identical amino acid sequences for the FOXP2 protein.
a. Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Rhesus monkey
b. Human, Mouse
c. Chimpanzee, Human, Mouse
d. Rhesus monkey, Human, Gorilla

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the amino acid sequences provided for each species: Chimpanzee, Mouse, Gorilla, Human, and Rhesus monkey.
2. Compare the sequences segment by segment, starting with the first segment (PKSSD for Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Human, and Rhesus monkey; PKSSE for Mouse).
3. Move to the second segment and compare: TSSTT for Chimpanzee, Mouse, Gorilla, and Rhesus monkey; TSSNT for Human.
4. Finally, compare the third segment: NARRD for Chimpanzee, Mouse, Gorilla, and Rhesus monkey; SARRD for Human.
5. Circle the species with identical sequences by checking if all three segments match exactly. In this case, Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Rhesus monkey have identical sequences.

Key Concepts

Amino Acid Sequence

An amino acid sequence is the order of amino acids in a protein, which determines the protein's structure and function. Each amino acid is represented by a single letter code, and variations in the sequence can lead to differences in protein function across species. Understanding these sequences is crucial for comparing proteins like FOXP2 among different organisms.

Protein Function and Evolution

Proteins like FOXP2 play specific roles in biological processes, and their sequences can evolve over time, leading to functional changes. Comparing sequences across species helps identify evolutionary relationships and functional conservation or divergence, which is essential for understanding how proteins contribute to species-specific traits.

Species Comparison

Species comparison involves analyzing genetic or protein sequences to identify similarities and differences. This process helps determine evolutionary relationships and functional conservation. In the context of FOXP2, comparing amino acid sequences across species can reveal which species have identical sequences, indicating potential conservation of function.