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We compared fine-scale recombination rates at orthologous loci in humans and chimpanzees by analyzing polymorphism data in both species. Strong statistical evidence for hotspots of recombination was obtained in both species. Despite approximately 99% identity at the level of DNA sequence, however, recombination hotspots were found rarely (if at all) at the same positions in the two species, and no correlation was observed in estimates of fine-scale recombination rates. Thus, local patterns of recombination rate have evolved rapidly, in a manner disproportionate to the change in DNA sequence.

Original publication

DOI

10.1126/science.1105322

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

01/04/2005

Volume

308

Pages

107 - 111

Keywords

Alleles, Animals, Base Sequence, Chromosome Mapping, Chromosomes, Human, Chromosomes, Mammalian, Evolution, Molecular, Genome, Genome, Human, Genotype, Globins, HLA Antigens, Haplotypes, Humans, Linkage Disequilibrium, Markov Chains, Monte Carlo Method, Pan troglodytes, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Recombination, Genetic, Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid