Question

Lateral gene transfer means that phylogenetic analyses of different individual genes from the same set of organisms often yield results that are inconsistent with each other. What technique seems to avoid this problem and give us the clearest, most consistent view of the "tree of life"?

1) the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

2) lmolecular clock analyses

3) "shotgun" rRNA sequencing from environmental samples

4) Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction

5) whole-genome phylogenetic analysis

Answer 1

Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis is the technique that most effectively overcomes inconsistencies in phylogenetic trees caused by lateral gene transfer, by providing a comprehensive view of an organism's entire genome.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lateral gene transfer complicates traditional phylogenetic analyses as it involves the transfer of genes between unrelated species, which can result in inconsistent phylogenetic trees for different genes. While techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 'shotgun' rRNA sequencing from environmental samples are useful for analyzing genes or rRNA, whole-genome phylogenetic analysis seems to avoid the problem of inconsistent phylogenetic trees caused by lateral gene transfer. This approach analyses the entire genome of an organism, providing a clearer and more consistent view of evolutionary relationships and the 'tree of life'.

Whole-genome analysis accounts for genetic variation introduced through horizontal gene transfer, unlike single-gene or single-region analyses. By incorporating the complete genetic information of an organism, scientists gain a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary relationships, leading to more accurate phylogenetic trees. This method acknowledges the complexity of lateral gene transfer and helps avoid oversimplifying the tree model of life, which can no longer be seen as sufficient with our current understanding of extensive genetic exchange among species.