Convergent evolution of disease resistance genes

John M McDowell1

  • 1Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Fralin Biotechnology Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0346, USA. johnmcd@vt.edu

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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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