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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...
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.
Organization of Genes02:07

Organization of Genes

Overview
Gene Families01:57

Gene 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Capturing Common Fragile Site Breaks by Native γH2A.X ChIP
09:46

Capturing Common Fragile Site Breaks by Native γH2A.X ChIP

Published on: January 24, 2025

The fragmented gene.

Jürgen Brosius1

  • 1Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Münster, Münster, Germany. RNA.world@uni-muenster.de

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 23, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The definition of a gene is expanding, but "coding" remains narrowly defined. Adopting a broader definition of biological code can clarify gene complexity and modular genome evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • The traditional definition of a gene's coding region, primarily the open reading frame, is becoming outdated.
  • There is a significant disparity between the evolving concept of a gene and the restrictive definition of 'coding'.
  • This discrepancy causes confusion, particularly regarding non-protein-coding RNAs, which are encoded by their own genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the confusion arising from the narrow definition of 'coding' in genetics.
  • To propose a broader, more inclusive definition of biological code.
  • To support a more complex and modular view of gene and genome evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing definitions of genes and biological codes.
  • Analysis of the implications of non-protein-coding RNAs.
  • Adoption of Ed Trifonov's functional definition of a code.

Main Results:

  • A broader definition of biological code, encompassing any functional sequence pattern, resolves definitional conflicts.
  • This expanded view supports a more complex understanding of genes as modular entities.
  • It also facilitates a concept of modular evolution for genes and entire genomes.

Conclusions:

  • The narrow definition of 'coding' in genetics is a source of confusion.
  • Adopting a functional definition of biological code offers a unifying solution.
  • This shift promotes a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of gene structure and genomic evolution.