New phylogenomic models and methods to resolve the prokaryotic to eukaryotic transition

The origin of the eukaryotic cell was one of the most important transitions in evolutionary history of life. Although much progress has been made to improve models of sequence evolution, several important inadequacies remain that are implicated in systematic artefact afflicting the eukaryogenesis-related phylogenetic analyses. This project develops new models to address this problem, and will address mitochondrial symbiosis. This is collaborative effort between ANU, Dalhousie Uni & CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research), Paris-Sud University.