Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Measuring Microbial Mutation Rates with the Fluctuation Assay
Published on: November 28, 2019
The centromere paradox: stable inheritance with rapidly evolving DNA
S Henikoff1, K Ahmad, H S Malik
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Laboratories, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
Abstract:
Every eukaryotic chromosome has a centromere, the locus responsible for poleward movement at mitosis and meiosis. Although conventional loci are specified by their DNA sequences, current evidence favors a chromatin-based inheritance mechanism for centromeres. The chromosome segregation machinery is highly conserved across all eukaryotes, but the DNA and protein components specific to centromeric chromatin are evolving rapidly. Incompatibilities between rapidly evolving centromeric components may be responsible for both the organization of centromeric regions and the reproductive isolation of emerging species.
Related Concept Videos
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
Genetic Drift
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...
DNA as a Genetic Template
Gene Duplication and Divergence
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...

