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Gene Duplication and the Evolution of Enzymes

Nature volume 217, pages 1125–1130 (1968)Cite this article

Abstract

The relationship between structure and function of proteins makes it unlikely that a new enzyme activity can evolve unless the genome contains extra DNA with suitable coding properties such as is provided by the duplication of a gene for a functionally related enzyme. Evidence from the Annelida suggests that their diverse phosphagen kinases evolved in this way.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Research Unit,

    R. L. WATTS

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Guy's Hospital Medical School, London

    D. C. WATTS

Authors
  1. R. L. WATTS
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  2. D. C. WATTS
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WATTS, R., WATTS, D. Gene Duplication and the Evolution of Enzymes. Nature 217, 1125–1130 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/2171125a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2171125a0

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