Abstract
Multiple interferon (IFN) α genes characterize divergent animal species, yet human interferon α (HuIFN-α) genes are closely related in nucleotide sequence. Either the IFN-α genes derived from common ancestor sequences after divergence of these animals, or the HuIFN-α genes that have been studied underwent concerted evolution. Evidence suggesting that concerted evolution did occur to some unknown extent raises doubts about the important conclusion of recent divergence of the HuIFN-α gene family.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.