molecular clock

American  

noun

1. the changes in the amino acid sequences of proteins that take place during evolution and speciation, and from which the dates of branchings of taxonomic groups can be deduced.

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Example Sentences

A related study led by Dr Pedro Soares of the University of Minho, which tested the reliability of the molecular clock methods used in the analysis, was published in Scientific Reports.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

The leading theory is that these insects have an internal molecular clock synced to the seasonal flow of fluid, or xylem, that passes through a tree’s roots each spring, which cicadas sip on as food.

From National Geographic • Sep. 5, 2023

Cells have a molecular clock that determines how long they live.

From New York Times • May 4, 2023

Gallone cautions, for example, that the molecular clock date is a rough estimate.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 26, 2023

Explain how such a molecular clock could be refined to infer time for the evolution of prokaryotes.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022