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Related Concept Videos

Multi-species Conserved Sequences02:51

Multi-species Conserved Sequences

Next-generation sequencing technologies have created large genomic databases of a variety of animals and plants. Ever since the human genome project was completed, scientists studied the genome of primates, mammals, and other phylogenetically distant living beings. Such large-scale  studies have provided new insights into the evolutionary relationship between organisms.
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...
Chromosome Structure02:40

Chromosome Structure

A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...
Chromosome Structure02:40

Chromosome Structure

A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...
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 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Electrophoretic Analysis of Replication Through Structure-Prone DNA Repeats Within the SV40-Based Human Episome
05:22

Electrophoretic Analysis of Replication Through Structure-Prone DNA Repeats Within the SV40-Based Human Episome

Published on: September 13, 2024

Repetitive sequences in complex genomes: structure and evolution.

Jerzy Jurka1, Vladimir V Kapitonov, Oleksiy Kohany

  • 1Genetic Information Research Institute, Mountain View, California 94043, USA. jurka@girinst.org

Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics
|May 18, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Transposable elements (TEs), once dismissed as "junk DNA," are now recognized as crucial drivers of eukaryotic genome evolution. Research reveals their role in gene creation, epigenetic regulation, and speciation.

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Electrophoretic Analysis of Replication Through Structure-Prone DNA Repeats Within the SV40-Based Human Episome
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G2-seq: A High Throughput Sequencing-based Technique for Identifying Late Replicating Regions of the Genome
06:40

G2-seq: A High Throughput Sequencing-based Technique for Identifying Late Replicating Regions of the Genome

Published on: March 22, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Eukaryotic genomes are rich in repetitive DNA from transposable elements (TEs).
  • Large-scale sequencing projects have revolutionized our understanding of TEs.
  • Previously disregarded TEs are now known to have significant genomic impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the origin, diversity, and genomic impact of transposable elements.
  • To identify novel classes and families of DNA transposons.
  • To investigate the evolutionary role of TEs in gene development and genome stability.

Main Methods:

  • Genome sequencing and analysis.
  • Bioinformatic identification of novel transposon families.
  • Comparative genomics to assess conserved TE remnants.

Main Results:

  • Discovery of two new DNA transposon classes: Helitrons and Polintons.
  • Identification of numerous new superfamilies and families of TEs.
  • Evidence of TEs as precursors to genes (e.g., RAG1) and drivers of epigenetic regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Transposable elements significantly influence genome evolution, stability, and speciation.
  • TE remnants are enriched in conserved regulatory regions, suggesting functional importance.
  • Understanding TEs is vital for comprehending genome evolution and vertebrate immunity.