molecular clock method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "molecular clock method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific contexts, particularly in discussions about evolutionary biology and genetics, to describe a technique for estimating the time of evolutionary events based on molecular data. Example: "The researchers applied the molecular clock method to determine the divergence time between the two species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

To verify their results, the researchers turned to the molecular clock method, which assumes a constant rate of genetic mutation to date a species.

Science Magazine

Secondly, we used a relaxed (uncorrelated lognormal) molecular clock method [68] as implemented in BEAST version 1.4.6 [69].

Plosone

A relaxed molecular clock method allowing autocorrelated rates of evolution along branches [64] was also implemented here.

Plosone

Molecular divergence dates were calculated using the 20.1 kb molecular supermatrix of Beck [10] and the Bayesian relaxed molecular clock method implemented in BEAST 1.4 [26].

Plosone

Divergence dates calculated using a Bayesian 'relaxed molecular clock' method [26] (Figure S3, Table S3) indicate that Australidelphia originated 65.0 75.1 MYA (95% CI =��59.2 84.3 MYA) and that the extant australidelphian orders diverged from each other 56.9 65.5 MYA (95% CI = 51.1 71.8 MYA).

Plosone

We applied a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock method to the phylogeny and estimated the mean evolutionary rate of the full-length genome of A(H1N1 pdm to be 4.0×10−3 substitutions per site per year (95% probability density ranged 3.6×10−3 to 4.4×10−3: Table 1).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Recent estimates made using molecular clock methods (such as described above for Orthoptera) give estimates of 167 199 million year ago for the origin of flowering plants, in the Jurassic (Bell et al. 2010).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

We performed dating analyses using two different relaxed molecular clock methods, which have recently been demonstrated to be the least sensitive to taxon sampling [36], and which have complementary advantages and limitations.

Plosone

Molecular clock methods have estimated the origin of cyanobacteria at 2.56 Ga 2.04 3.08 Gaa) [ 30].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

This is the first study to estimate divergence times within the oomycetes using molecular clock methods.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Dating these ancient divergences using molecular clock methods is even more difficult [ 1, 2, 19, 20].

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "molecular clock method", clearly state the specific genes or genomic regions used for dating, as different regions evolve at different rates.

Common error

Avoid assuming a constant mutation rate across all lineages and genes when applying the "molecular clock method". Account for rate variation using relaxed clock models.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "molecular clock method" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific technique used in evolutionary biology and genetics. It serves to name a scientific approach for estimating evolutionary timescales. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The "molecular clock method" is a noun phrase designating a scientific technique for estimating evolutionary timelines based on genetic mutation rates. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, primarily within scientific contexts. While grammatically sound and frequently encountered in scientific literature, it's less common in general usage. When writing about this method, specify the genes used and consider rate variation to enhance clarity and precision. Alternative phrases include "molecular dating technique" and "phylogenetic dating approach". Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication in evolutionary biology and genetics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

molecular dating technique

Replaces "method" with "technique", emphasizing the practical application.

phylogenetic dating approach

Focuses on the use of phylogeny in dating evolutionary events.

genetic divergence dating

Specifically refers to dating based on genetic divergence.

genetic dating analysis

Highlights the genetic aspect of the dating process.

molecular rate dating

Focuses on the rate of molecular change used for dating.

molecular evolutionary timeline

Shifts the focus to the resulting timeline rather than the method itself.

time-calibrated phylogeny

Emphasizes the result of the method: a phylogeny calibrated with time.

substitution rate dating

Highlights the use of substitution rates in dating.

chronometric analysis of molecules

A more technical and descriptive alternative.

evolutionary timescale estimation

Broadens the scope to the estimation of evolutionary timescales.

FAQs

What is the "molecular clock method" used for?

The "molecular clock method" is used to estimate the time of evolutionary events by analyzing the rate at which genetic mutations accumulate in DNA sequences over time.

How accurate is the "molecular clock method"?

The accuracy of the "molecular clock method" depends on several factors, including the calibration points used and the assumption of a constant mutation rate. Using relaxed clock models can improve accuracy.

What are some alternatives to using a strict "molecular clock method"?

Alternatives include relaxed clock models, such as Bayesian relaxed "molecular clock method", which allows for rate variation across lineages, providing more accurate divergence time estimates.

How do fossil records relate to the "molecular clock method"?

Fossil records provide calibration points for the "molecular clock method". The dates of fossils are used to anchor the molecular clock and improve the accuracy of divergence time estimates.