Abstract
We have characterized for the first time the complete primary structure of the main protamine components of the sperm from four reptiles: Chrysemys picta (turtle), Elaphe obsoleta (snake), Anolis carolinensis (lizard), and Alligator mississipiensis (crocodilian). These species were chosen to represent one of each of the main phylogenetic branches of this taxonomic group. Comparison of these protamine sequences with those already available from other vertebrate groups allows us to define properly the chemical consensus composition of protamines and provides a unique insight into their molecular evolution and classification.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Alligators and Crocodiles / classification
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Alligators and Crocodiles / physiology
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Colubridae / classification
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Colubridae / physiology
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Consensus Sequence
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Evolution, Molecular
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Lizards / classification
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Lizards / physiology
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Male
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Protamines / chemistry*
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Protamines / classification
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Reptiles / classification
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Reptiles / physiology*
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Sequence Alignment
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Sequence Analysis
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Spermatozoa / chemistry*
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Turtles / classification
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Turtles / physiology