Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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 Genes

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.

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

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...

Evolution of Microbial Genome

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.

Incomplete Dominance

Incomplete Dominance

Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.

Biological Influences on Intelligence

Biological Influences on Intelligence

Intelligence is often thought to be linked to brain size, but the relationship is more complex than that. While brain size does correlate modestly with some abilities, like verbal skills, the connection is weaker for others, such as spatial reasoning. Other factors, like brain structure, also play crucial roles. For instance, despite Einstein's smaller-than-average brain, his parietal cortex, which is involved in spatial reasoning, was 15% wider, suggesting that neural density might matter more...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Molecular Tuning and Morphology of the Olfactory System Underlie Nestmate Recognition in a Polymorphic Ant.

Molecular ecology·2026

Same author

Evolution of increased longevity and slowed ageing in a genus of tropical butterfly.

Nature communications·2026

Same author

Distinct evolutionary trajectories of two integration centres, the central complex and mushroom bodies, across Heliconiini butterflies.

eLife·2026

Same author

A Novel Practical Session to Teach Concepts of Allometric Scaling of Brain Structures to Undergraduate Students Using Vertebrate Brains.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026

Same author

Conservation of sensory pathways implies a localized change in the mushroom bodies is associated with cognitive evolution in Heliconius butterflies.

Evolution; international journal of organic evolution·2026

Same author

Emerging tools to advance neuroethology in butterflies and moths.

Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology·2025

Same journal

Increased rates of hybridization in swordtails are associated with water pollution.

Current biology : CB·2026

Same journal

Visual uncertainty and task demands shape active sensing strategies in mice.

Current biology : CB·2026

Same journal

An adaptable, self-organizing, single-cell morphology circuit optimizes suctorian predatory trap structure.

Current biology : CB·2026

Same journal

Temporal tuning of switch-like virulence expression resolves environmental uncertainty through phenotypic heterogeneity.

Current biology : CB·2026

Same journal

An abstract relational map emerges in the human medial prefrontal cortex with consolidation.

Current biology : CB·2026

Same journal

Phloem evolved gradually and asynchronously to xylem in early vascular plants.

Current biology : CB·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

Published on: December 1, 2017

Brain evolution: microcephaly genes weigh in.

Stephen H Montgomery¹, Nicholas I Mundy

¹Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.

Current Biology : CB

|March 12, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microcephaly genes influence normal human brain size variation, contrary to previous beliefs. These genes exhibit sex-specific effects during neurogenesis, impacting brain development differently in males and females.

More Related Videos

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)

Published on: May 8, 2020

Generation of iPSC-derived Human Brain Organoids to Model Early Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Generation of iPSC-derived Human Brain Organoids to Model Early Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Published on: April 14, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

Published on: December 1, 2017

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)

Published on: May 8, 2020

Generation of iPSC-derived Human Brain Organoids to Model Early Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Generation of iPSC-derived Human Brain Organoids to Model Early Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Published on: April 14, 2017

Area of Science:

Genetics
Neuroscience
Human Biology

Background:

The role of microcephaly genes in typical human brain size variation has been debated.
Previous research has not definitively established a link between these genes and normal brain size differences.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential role of microcephaly genes in normal variation of human brain size.
To explore sex-specific effects of microcephaly genes during neurogenesis.

Main Methods:

Analysis of genetic data related to microcephaly.
Examination of gene expression patterns during neurogenesis.
Comparative studies across sexes.

Main Results:

A significant link was identified between microcephaly genes and normal variation in human brain size.
Evidence suggests sex-specific action of microcephaly genes during neural development.

Conclusions:

Microcephaly genes play a role in the natural spectrum of human brain size.
Sex-specific mechanisms in neurogenesis involving microcephaly genes warrant further investigation.