Gene duplication and evolutionary novelty in plants.
Lex E Flagel1, Jonathan F Wendel1
1Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
The New Phytologist
|June 27, 2009
Summary
Gene duplication is key to plant evolution, driving new traits. Understanding its sources and outcomes reveals how plants adapt and evolve novel characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Plant genomics
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Gene duplication is a significant aspect of plant genome structure.
- It is widely hypothesized to contribute to the evolution of new plant traits.
- Connecting duplication to adaptive evolution has been challenging until recently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the sources and potential fates of gene duplicates in plants.
- To highlight recent examples illustrating the role of gene duplication in plant evolution.
- To emphasize how gene function and duplication origin influence evolutionary trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of gene duplication events in plants.
- Analysis of theoretical predictions regarding duplicate gene fates.
- Case study analysis of recent examples from scientific literature.
Main Results:
- Gene duplication is a major driver of adaptive evolution in plants.
- The functional properties of genes and the origin of duplication critically impact evolutionary outcomes.
- Recent studies provide concrete evidence for duplication's role in generating novelty.
Conclusions:
- Gene duplication is fundamental to understanding plant adaptive evolution and phenotypic innovation.
- Investigating the sources and functional consequences of duplication is crucial for evolutionary studies.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge, highlighting key examples and future directions.
Related Concept Videos
02:37Gene 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.
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.
03:21Genome 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.
03:21Genome 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.
01:57Gene Families
Gene families consist of groups of genes proposed to have originated from a common ancestor. Typically these arise through events in which a gene or genes are mistakenly duplicated during cell division. Unlike their parent genes (which are subject to selection pressure to maintain function), these gene copies do not need to preserve their sequences and may evolve at a relatively faster rate.
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
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The diverse plant life on Earth—consisting of nearly 400,000 species—can be divided into three broad categories based on biological characteristics: nonvascular, seedless vascular, and seed plants.