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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.
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
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...
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.

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An Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization Platform for Efficient Detection of Copy Number Variations in Fast Neutron-induced Medicago truncatula Mutants
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A role for nonadaptive processes in plant genome size evolution?

Kenneth D Whitney1, Eric J Baack, James L Hamrick

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, Texas 77005, USA. kwhitney@rice.edu

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|February 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Seed plant genome size is not explained by the Lynch and Conery hypothesis linking genome size to effective population size (N(e)) and mating systems. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics
  • Plant Science

Background:

  • Genome size variation across species is widespread but lacks comprehensive explanations.
  • The Lynch and Conery hypothesis proposes genome expansion is maladaptive, driven by small effective population size (N(e)) reducing natural selection efficacy.
  • Mating systems may influence genome size evolution through effects on N(e) and transposable element (TE) dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comparatively analyze the influence of effective population size (N(e)) and mating systems on genome size evolution in seed plants.
  • To test the validity of the Lynch and Conery hypothesis in seed plant lineages.
  • To investigate the interplay between N(e), mating systems, and genome size.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of 205 seed plant species with genome size estimates.
  • Correction for recent polyploidy in genome size data.
  • Phylogenetically independent contrast analyses to account for evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

  • Raw data showed a positive correlation between outcrossing and genome size, and a negative correlation between N(e) and genome size.
  • Phylogenetic analyses revealed only a weak association between outcrossing and genome size, and no significant relationship with N(e).
  • No significant N(e) x outcrossing interaction was detected in either analysis.

Conclusions:

  • The Lynch and Conery mechanism for genome size evolution is not supported by the data from seed plants.
  • Mating systems may have complex effects on genome size evolution, influencing both selection efficacy and TE transmission.
  • Additional research is required to fully elucidate the roles of mating systems and N(e) in shaping genome size variation.