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Related Concept Videos

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons02:54

Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons

Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is that if two species share a common feature, it is likely encoded by the DNA sequence conserved between both species. The advent of genome sequencing technologies in the late 20th century enabled scientists to understand the concept of conservation of domains between species and helped them to deduce evolutionary relationships across diverse...
Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

Gene Duplication and Divergence

The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was  generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
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?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
12:02

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

Published on: May 29, 2008

Evolution of repeated DNA sequences by unequal crossover.

G P Smith

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |February 13, 1976
    PubMed
    Summary

    Highly repetitive DNA sequences, often thought to arise from special mechanisms, may naturally form through random mutations and unequal crossing over. This suggests tandem repeats are a common state for DNA not under strong selective pressure.

    Area of Science:

    • Genetics
    • Molecular Biology
    • Evolutionary Biology

    Background:

    • Highly repetitive DNA sequences are common in genomes.
    • Their origin is often attributed to unusual genetic mechanisms or selection.
    • The role of random processes in their formation is less understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the natural formation of tandem repeats in DNA.
    • To determine if repetitive DNA can arise without selective pressure.
    • To explore the role of random mutations and unequal crossovers in generating DNA periodicity.

    Main Methods:

    • Theoretical arguments on DNA sequence evolution.
    • Computer simulations of DNA mutation and recombination processes.
    • Analysis of simulated DNA sequences for repeat patterns and periodicity.

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    Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
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    Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

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    Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR
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    Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR

    Published on: July 11, 2025

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

    Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
    12:02

    Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

    Published on: May 29, 2008

    Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
    04:52

    Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

    Published on: February 3, 2023

    Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR
    06:18

    Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR

    Published on: July 11, 2025

    Main Results:

    • Simulations demonstrated that tandem repeats can readily emerge from non-repetitive DNA.
    • Random accumulation of mutations and unequal crossovers were sufficient to generate periodic sequences.
    • The length and subrepeat patterns of these periodicities fluctuate during simulated evolution.

    Conclusions:

    • Tandem repeats may represent the natural state of DNA sequences not actively maintained by selection.
    • Unequal crossover is a plausible, non-contrived mechanism explaining the prevalence and patterns of highly repeated DNA.
    • Random genetic processes offer a sufficient explanation for observed repetitive DNA structures.