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Related Concept Videos

Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
Prokaryotic Gene Structure and Organization01:28

Prokaryotic Gene Structure and Organization

Prokaryotic genomes exhibit a streamlined organization of coding and non-coding regions essential for gene expression and protein synthesis. While coding regions contain the genetic instructions for proteins or functional RNAs, non-coding regions regulate the precise transcription and translation of these genes.Coding Regions: Proteins and RNAsThe primary coding regions, known as structural genes, include sequences transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and ultimately translated into...
Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes00:46

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
Comparing Mitochondrial, Chloroplast, and Prokaryotic Genomes02:16

Comparing Mitochondrial, Chloroplast, and Prokaryotic Genomes

The present-day mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes have retained some of the characteristics of their ancestral prokaryotes and also have acquired new attributes during their evolution within eukaryotic cells. Like prokaryotic genomes, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes neither bind with histone-like proteins nor show complex packaging into chromosome-like structures, as observed in eukaryotes. Unlike mitotic cell divisions observed in eukaryotic cells, mitochondria and chloroplasts...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
08:03

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations

Published on: December 7, 2021

Evolutionary patterns in prokaryotic genomes.

Eduardo Pc Rocha1

  • 1UPMC Univ Paris 06, Atelier de BioInformatique, F-75005 Paris, France. erocha@pasteur.fr

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|October 8, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Prokaryotic genomics uses comparative methods to study genome evolution. Understanding selection and drift requires both phylogenetic and population genetics, revealing adaptive evolution in ecological contexts.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Microbial evolution

Background:

  • Prokaryotic genomics is increasingly employing comparative analyses to understand genome evolution.
  • Dissecting evolutionary forces like selection and genetic drift necessitates integrated phylogenetic and population genetics approaches.
  • Adaptive evolution in prokaryotic lineages involves selection on existing genomic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how mutations and gene repertoire alterations contribute to adaptive evolution from a systemic and evolutionary perspective.
  • To investigate the relationship between genomic changes and cellular networks in prokaryotic evolution.
  • To elucidate the genetic underpinnings of prokaryotic evolution within specific ecological contexts.

Main Methods:

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Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
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Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

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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

Published on: February 3, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
08:03

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations

Published on: December 7, 2021

Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
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Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Published on: June 14, 2024

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

  • Comparative genomics
  • Phylogenetic analyses
  • Population genetics approaches
  • Systems biology perspective
  • Evolutionary analysis

    • Main Results:

    • Genome dynamics are being increasingly appreciated within specific ecological contexts.
    • The interplay between mutation, gene repertoire, and cellular networks is crucial for adaptive evolution.
    • A detailed understanding of the genetic basis of prokaryotic evolution is emerging.

    Conclusions:

    • Comparative genomics, integrating phylogenetic and population genetics, is essential for understanding prokaryotic evolution.
    • Adaptive evolution is driven by selection acting on genomic changes within ecological niches.
    • Future research will further refine our understanding of prokaryotic genome dynamics and evolution.