Understanding phylogeny using DNA correlation patterns
Dilbag Sokhi, Atulya Nagar
Rajendra Bhansali
Department of Computing,
Department of Mathematical Sciences,
Liverpool Hope University,
University of Liverpool,
Hope Park,
Peach Street,
Liverpool – L16 9JD,
Liverpool – L69 7ZL
UK.
UK.
Abstract
The statistical analysis of DNA sequence reveal long-range correlation patterns which are
being supposed to be created through a dynamical process which led to the current state
of the DNA sequence. Two phenomena are being proposed which claim to have created
the long-range correlations in DNA sequences. The first argument is that long-range
power law correlation is the consequence of expansion-modification of the DNA
sequence which can be demonstrated by the covariance or autocorrelation functions. The
second argument presents an alternate explanation of duplication events in DNA
evolution which caused the self-similarity in the DNA sequence.
The present research is based on analysing the long-range correlation patterns of DNA
sequence using various techniques such as autocorrelation function, Wavelet Transform,
and Detrended fluctuation analysis. We have found that all these techniques reflect the
fractal nature of the DNA sequence which supports the hypothesis of expansionmodification occurring in the DNA sequence during the process of evolution. We have
carried out an extensive analysis of DNA sequences of various species so as to found the
similarity patterns existing in the DNA sequences which exhibit the long-range
correlations.
We intend to use the similarity of the DNA sequences in terms of the long-range
correlation patterns in genes of various species to get insight into the relationships that
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exist among the homologous sequences. Indeed we have found peculiar similarity among
genes of closely related species such as Cattle, Chimp and Humans.
Research Objective(s):
Using long-range correlation patterns in DNA sequence to get an insight into the
dynamical process involved in the elongation of the DNA sequence. Another objective is
to use long-range patterns to analyse the phylogenetic relationship among various
species.
Method(s):
Autocorrelation analysis, Wavelet analysis, Detrended fluctuation analysis
Results:
The results of the analysis suggest that there is enough evidence of the phylogenetic
relationships that exist in the genes of various closely related species. It can be said that
certain portions of the DNA sequences are being conserved during the process of
evolution which carry out certain significant biological functions.
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