molecular clock approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "molecular clock approach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific contexts, particularly in evolutionary biology, to describe a method for estimating the time of evolutionary events based on molecular data. Example: "The molecular clock approach allows researchers to estimate divergence times between species by analyzing genetic mutations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Molecular clock methods produce date estimates as ancient as 1,600 Mya [ 88] but the Bayesian relaxed molecular clock approach gives much younger dates of 872-1,127 mean(mean 983 Mya) [ 22] which overlaps with our estimate.

Biology Direct

Here we use a molecular clock approach to improve constraints on the evolution of sterol biosynthesis.

Nature

So scientists have managed to use a molecular clock approach on the genomes of lice to estimate when humans might have begun to use clothing (e.g., Kittler et al. 2003; Toups et al. 2011).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

While constructing the phylogeny we used relaxed molecular clock approach [25].

Plosone

A Bayesian MCMC method, which employs a relaxed molecular clock approach [54], as implemented in BEAST v1.4.6 [55], was used.

Plosone

Precise estimation of the age of separation using a molecular clock approach is difficult due to the lack of reliable calibration points.

Plosone

We estimated divergence times within rodents in BEAST using six fossil calibration points and a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock approach [20] and found all rodents to share a common ancestor around 67 mya (CI: 57 76 mya) (Table S4).

Plosone

Compiling mtDNA sequence data for 152 (76%) endemic species, plus selected species from elsewhere [Table S1], we reconstruct the timing of diversification of the LT species flock using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock approach.

Plosone

We estimated the divergence times within the gibbon family using the Bayesian method implemented in the program BEAST 1.5.2 ([57], http://cbsuapps.tc.cornell.edu/beast.aspx) with a relaxed molecular clock approach [58].

Plosone

We incorporate both simple phylogenetic information and Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) methods to date the integrations of these viruses based on a relaxed molecular clock approach over a Bayesian phylogeny model and applied them to several selected ERV sequences in primates.

Plosone

KMJ performed the molecular clock approach.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "molecular clock approach", specify the type of molecular data used (e.g., DNA, RNA, protein sequences) and any calibration methods employed (e.g., fossil data, known geological events) to provide a clear and detailed explanation of your methodology.

Common error

Avoid using "molecular clock approach" as a catch-all term without specifying the specific techniques and assumptions involved. Different genes evolve at different rates, and failing to account for this variation can lead to inaccurate date estimates. Use relaxed clock models and provide justification for your calibration points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "molecular clock approach" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific methodology. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is indeed usable in written English, especially in scientific writing. Examples show that it is typically used as a subject or object of a sentence to refer to this methodology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

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Less common in

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Formal & Business

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Academia

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "molecular clock approach" is a well-established and grammatically sound term widely used in scientific writing, especially within evolutionary biology. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase refers to a methodology for estimating the timing of evolutionary events based on molecular data. While "molecular clock approach" is very common in scientific contexts, it's important to use it precisely, specifying the data and calibration methods used to avoid overgeneralization. Related terms include "molecular dating method" and "phylogenetic dating", which offer slight variations in emphasis. Remember to account for rate variation by using methods like "relaxed molecular clocks" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

molecular dating method

Focuses on the act of dating events using molecular data; "method" is more general than "approach".

phylogenetic dating

Highlights the use of phylogenetic trees in estimating evolutionary timescales.

time-calibrated phylogenies

Emphasizes the construction of phylogenetic trees with a timescale.

molecular evolutionary timescale

Refers to the overall timeline of evolution as estimated from molecular data.

estimating divergence times using molecular data

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the specific goal of estimating divergence times.

genomic dating

Highlights the use of genomic data for dating evolutionary events.

relaxed molecular clock analysis

Specifies the type of molecular clock analysis being used, focusing on accommodating rate variation.

Bayesian molecular clock

A specific statistical method used in molecular clock analyses.

inferring evolutionary timelines from DNA

Focuses on drawing conclusions about evolutionary timelines based on DNA data.

calibrated molecular phylogenies

Emphasizes the calibration process of molecular phylogenies using external data (e.g. fossils).

FAQs

How is the "molecular clock approach" used in evolutionary biology?

The "molecular clock approach" is used to estimate the timing of evolutionary events by analyzing the rate at which genetic mutations accumulate. By calibrating this rate with known dates (e.g., from fossils), scientists can infer how long ago different species diverged.

What are the limitations of the "molecular clock approach"?

The "molecular clock approach" assumes a constant rate of mutation, which is not always the case. Factors like generation time, metabolic rate, and natural selection can affect mutation rates. Therefore, methods like relaxed molecular clocks are used to account for rate variation.

What is a "relaxed molecular clock", and why is it used?

A "relaxed molecular clock" is a method that allows for variation in mutation rates across different lineages or time periods. It's used because the assumption of a strict molecular clock (constant rate) is often violated in nature. Relaxed clock models provide more accurate divergence time estimates.

What kind of data is used in the "molecular clock approach"?

The "molecular clock approach" can use various types of molecular data, including DNA sequences, RNA sequences, and protein sequences. The choice of data depends on the evolutionary timescale being investigated; for example, mitochondrial DNA is often used for recent divergences, while nuclear DNA is used for older divergences.