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Structure of a Gene

Structure of a Gene

A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity. Every individual has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. Although most people contain the same genes, there is a small fraction that is slightly different amongst people. A gene with a small difference in its sequence of DNA bases forms different alleles, contributing to different phenotypes.
However, only 1% of the DNA is composed of genes that encode proteins; the rest, 99% is non-coding DNA. This non-coding DNA performs...

Gene Families

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...

Gene Families

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...

Organization of Genes

Organization of Genes

Organization of Genes

Organization of Genes

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

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...

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Related Experiment Video

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Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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[The development of gene concepts].

¹Department of Biology, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China. xiezhh0523@163.com

Yi Chuan = Hereditas

|May 15, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The definition of a gene has evolved significantly over 100 years, from an abstract concept to a specific DNA segment. Recent genomic data challenges the classical gene concept, prompting a reevaluation of its definition.

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Area of Science:

Genetics and Molecular Biology
Genomics
Bioinformatics

Context:

The concept of a gene has undergone substantial revisions since its inception in 1909.
The completion of the Human Genome Project and the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project revealed genomic complexity.
The intricate relationship between DNA sequences and functional products challenges traditional gene definitions.

Purpose:

To review the historical evolution of the gene definition.
To discuss the impact of modern genomic data on the classical molecular gene concept.
To explore the necessity and ongoing discussions surrounding a redefinition of the gene.

Summary:

The term "gene" has transformed from an abstract symbol to a defined DNA segment encoding proteins or functional RNA.
Advances in genomics, particularly ENCODE, highlight the complexity of genomic organization and dynamics.
The intricate DNA-to-product relationship necessitates a re-examination of the gene concept.

Impact:

Provides a historical perspective on the evolving gene definition.
Highlights the challenges posed by new genomic insights to established biological concepts.
Contributes to the ongoing scientific discourse on redefining the fundamental unit of heredity and function.