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Related Concept Videos

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.
Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
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...
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
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Evolutionary Processes in Microbes

Microbial evolution occurs rapidly due to short generation times and a variety of genetic processes, including horizontal gene transfer, mutation, recombination, and genetic drift. These mechanisms collectively enable microbes to adapt swiftly to changing environments.Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows genes to move between different species and occurs through three main mechanisms: conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Conjugation involves direct cell-to-cell contact for DNA...

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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

Genome size reduction can trigger rapid phenotypic evolution in invasive plants.

Sébastien Lavergne1, Nikolas J Muenke, Jane Molofsky

  • 1Department of Plant Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. sebastien.lavergne@ujf-grenoble.fr

Annals of Botany
|November 6, 2009
PubMed
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Rapid evolution in invasive grasses can be driven by genome size reduction. This change in DNA content enhances vegetative growth and invasive potential, suggesting genome organization is key to rapid adaptation.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Science
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Invasive species rapidly evolve through genetic novelty and adaptation.
  • Genome size variation influences plant traits, but its role in rapid adaptation is understudied.
  • Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) invasion in North America involves European strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate if genome size reduction contributes to enhanced vegetative growth in invasive grass populations.
  • Explore the role of genome organization changes in rapid plant adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Measured genome size in over 200 invasive and native Phalaris arundinacea genotypes.
  • Related genome size to phenotypic traits in a controlled glasshouse environment.
  • Used population genetics to infer phylogeography and evolutionary history of genome size.

Main Results:

  • Invasive genotypes exhibited smaller genome sizes compared to native European ancestors.
  • Reduced genome size correlated with increased invasive potential, including higher early growth rates.
  • Evolutionary models supported natural selection driving genome reduction during invasion.

Conclusions:

  • Punctual genome size reduction can rapidly alter traits, boosting invasive ability.
  • Genome size variation represents an under-appreciated mechanism for rapid evolutionary change and novelties.
  • Further research is needed on the generality and mechanisms of genome size-driven phenotypic evolution.