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

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6.3 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 • 1.0k views

ADD COMMENT • link 6.3 years ago by Anny ▴ 30

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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 6.3 years ago by ashish ▴ 680

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