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Life Sciences

University at Albany, State University of New York

Theses/Dissertations

2009

HIV (Viruses)

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Molecular Evolution Of Genes Underlying Phenotypic Differences Between Humans And Chimpanzees, Santhoshi Bandla Jan 2009

Molecular Evolution Of Genes Underlying Phenotypic Differences Between Humans And Chimpanzees, Santhoshi Bandla

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (P. paniscus) are often used as models to study the genetic and morphological changes on the lineage leading to the modern humans (Homo sapiens). Results of this dissertation suggest that, in comparison to other hominoids, chimpanzees and bonobos are more derived in their relative testes sizes and promiscuous mating systems. Phylogenetic analysis of genes that might underlie increased testes size revealed that, in addition to being a sex-determining gene, SRY displays Pan-specific amino acid replacements that make it a compelling candidate as a testes-size determining gene. Strikingly, SRY and another candidate gene, DMRT3, display patterns …


The Recognition And Folding Of Ncp7 (Nucleocapsid Protein) With Tardna And Psi Site Rna Hairpin Structures From Hiv-1 : A Spin Label Study, Yan Sun Jan 2009

The Recognition And Folding Of Ncp7 (Nucleocapsid Protein) With Tardna And Psi Site Rna Hairpin Structures From Hiv-1 : A Spin Label Study, Yan Sun

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The nucleocapsid (NC) protein NCp7 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV 1) is a small basic protein with two zinc finger motifs. NCp7 has key roles in virus replication and structure, which rely on its interactions with nucleic acids. We investigated the interaction of NCp7 with Transactivation Response Element (TAR) DNA which is critical for minus strand transfer during the HIV 1 reverse transcription. The EPR spin probe nitroxide was used as the reporter. Binding of NCp7 to TARDNA caused TARDNA condensation, as inferred from the probe tumbling time which markedly increased to several nanoseconds at a 4:1 NCp7 …