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Related Concept Videos

Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
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...
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...
Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation02:53

Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation

Because the DNA segments are cut and reorganized in a direction-specific manner, site-specific recombination has emerged as an efficient genetic engineering technique. Flippase and Cyclization recombinases or Flp and Cre, respectively, are two members of the tyrosine recombinase family derived from bacteriophages, that are used to mediate site-specific DNA insertions, deletions, and targeted expression of proteins in mammalian cell lines.
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...
Crossing Over01:30

Crossing Over

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I. Genetic recombination gives rise to allelic diversity in the newly formed daughter cells. In humans, crossing over produces genetically distinct haploid egg and sperm cells that undergo fertilization to produce unique offspring. Before cell division starts, the germ cell’s chromosome(s) undergo duplication in the S phase of the cell cycle. As the cells enter prophase I, duplicated...
Crossing Over01:34

Crossing Over

Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process called synapsis.
In order to...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
12:02

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

Published on: May 29, 2008

An evolutionary view of human recombination.

Graham Coop1, Molly Przeworski

  • 1Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|December 6, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Mammalian meiosis relies on recombination, yet rates vary significantly across humans and species. This variation offers insights into recombination determinants and evolutionary pressures, impacting human genetics.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Recombination is crucial for mammalian meiosis, ensuring genetic diversity and proper chromosome segregation.
  • Despite its importance, significant variations in recombination rates exist within the human population and between species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors contributing to the wide variation in human recombination rates.
  • To understand the evolutionary pressures shaping recombination across different genomic scales.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of recombination patterns.
  • Population genetics studies to assess human recombination rate variability.
  • Analysis of selective pressures on recombination across species.

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Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila
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Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila

Published on: July 13, 2013

Subcloning Plus Insertion (SPI) - A Novel Recombineering Method for the Rapid Construction of Gene Targeting Vectors
09:02

Subcloning Plus Insertion (SPI) - A Novel Recombineering Method for the Rapid Construction of Gene Targeting Vectors

Published on: January 8, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
12:02

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

Published on: May 29, 2008

Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila
14:23

Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila

Published on: July 13, 2013

Subcloning Plus Insertion (SPI) - A Novel Recombineering Method for the Rapid Construction of Gene Targeting Vectors
09:02

Subcloning Plus Insertion (SPI) - A Novel Recombineering Method for the Rapid Construction of Gene Targeting Vectors

Published on: January 8, 2015

Main Results:

  • Recombination rates exhibit substantial inter-individual variation in humans.
  • Marked differences in recombination rates are observed between humans and closely related species.
  • Genomic scale influences the selective pressures acting on recombination.

Conclusions:

  • The determinants of recombination rates are complex and influenced by evolutionary forces.
  • Understanding recombination rate variation has significant implications for human genetics and evolutionary studies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the selective pressures on recombination across the genome.