Whereas the gene encoding the small subunit of ribosomes was used to generate the tree of life, many genes are inappropriate choices for this type of analysis because these genes have been subject to horizontal gene transfer for billions of years.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is true. Many genes, particularly those involved in more recent cellular functions such as metabolism and motility, have been subject to extensive horizontal gene transfer over billions of years, making them inappropriate for generating a tree of life based on vertical descent.

Whereas the Gene Encoding the Small Subunit of Ribosomes Was