genomes with lower identity display closer relationship than genomes with higher identity, any idea why?

0

Entering edit mode

7.0 years ago

Anny ▴ 30

Hi all,

I have alignment five close-related genomes. A, B, C, D and E. A and B share nucleotide level identity as 96%, while between A and C this number is 94%. I used several methods to build their phylogeny trees. All the result showed A is closer to C and B. I am curious why. Shouldn't the genomes with higher similarity closer to each other?

Could anyone give me a hint?

Thank you so much!

Alexie.

phylogeny evolution identity • 1.1k views

ADD COMMENT • link 7.0 years ago by Anny ▴ 30

1

Entering edit mode

Shouldn't the genomes with higher similarity closer to each other

Yes, this is true but you are looking at percentage identity which is different from percentage similarity. Take a look at Sebastian's answer here . He also gives an example similar to your problem.

ADD REPLY • link 7.0 years ago by ashish ▴ 680

Login before adding your answer.