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Related Concept Videos

Formation of Species01:31

Formation of Species

Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the parent species, and barriers to reproduction will typically exist. There are two primary mechanisms, speciation with and without geographic isolation—allopatric and sympatric speciation, respectively.Allopatric SpeciationIn allopatric speciation, gene flow between two populations of the same species is prevented by a geographic barrier, like...
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.
Genetics of Speciation02:16

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.The genetics of speciation involves the different traits or isolating mechanisms preventing gene exchange, leading to reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation can be due to reproductive barriers that have effects either before or after the formation of a zygote. Pre-zygotic mechanisms prevent fertilization from occurring, and post-zygotic mechanisms...
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).Mechanisms of Genetic VariationThe original sources of genetic variation are mutations,...
Gene Flow02:39

Gene Flow

Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.

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Field Experiments of Pollination Ecology: The Case of Lycoris sanguinea var. sanguinea
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Genome size diversity in orchids: consequences and evolution.

I J Leitch1, I Kahandawala, J Suda

  • 1Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK. i.leitch@kew.org

Annals of Botany
|January 27, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Orchid genome sizes vary widely, with the largest found in specific subfamilies. This diversity impacts orchid growth and genetic applications, highlighting the need for more data.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant genomics
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Eukaryotic genome sizes span a 40,000-fold range, with angiosperms showing significant variation (nearly 2000-fold).
  • Orchidaceae (orchids) are a notable exception, exhibiting extreme genome size diversity within angiosperms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the extensive genome size variation within the Orchidaceae family.
  • To investigate the evolutionary patterns and consequences of genome size diversity in orchids.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review to compile existing genome size data for 327 orchid species.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to map genome size distribution across orchid subfamilies.

Main Results:

  • Orchidaceae displays a 168-fold range in genome size (1C = 0.33-55.4 pg), making it the most variable angiosperm family.
  • Distinct genome size profiles were observed across orchid subfamilies, with Epidendroideae showing the widest range and Cypripedioideae and Vanilloideae harboring the largest genomes.
  • Significant differences in genome size and karyotype evolution were found between closely related genera like Cypripedium, Paphiopedilum, and Phragmipedium.

Conclusions:

  • Orchid genome size evolution is phylogenetically structured, with specific subfamilies showing unique patterns.
  • Genome size diversity has practical implications for genetic fingerprinting and biological consequences for orchid habitat and phenology.
  • Further research is crucial to fill phylogenetic gaps and fully understand orchid genome size evolution and its impacts.