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Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

Published on: April 4, 2016

Symbiotic DNA in eukaryotic genomes.

C Zeyl¹, G Bell

¹Dept of Biology, McGill University, 1205 ave Dr. Penfield, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

|January 18, 2011

Summary

Mobile genetic elements, or transposons, are abundant in eukaryotic genomes and act as sexual parasites. These elements can evolve from parasitic to beneficial, even becoming essential components of cellular functions.

Area of Science:

Genomics
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Genetics

Background:

Molecular genetic databases have grown exponentially, offering deep insights into eukaryotic genome evolution.
Self-replicating DNA sequences, known as transposons, are prevalent in eukaryotic genomes.
These mobile genetic elements can act as 'sexual parasites,' influencing host genome dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the prevalence and evolutionary trajectory of mobile genetic elements in eukaryotic genomes.
To understand the parasitic nature and transmission mechanisms of transposons.
To investigate the potential evolutionary transition of transposons from parasites to beneficial genes.

Main Methods:

Analysis of large-scale molecular genetic databases.

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Published on: June 3, 2017

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

Published on: April 4, 2016

Genome-wide Mapping of Protein-DNA Interactions with ChEC-seq in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genome-wide Mapping of Protein-DNA Interactions with ChEC-seq in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: June 3, 2017

Comparative genomics to track transposon distribution and evolution.

Investigating the impact of transposons on host fitness and genome integrity.

Main Results:

Transposable elements are unexpectedly abundant and widespread across eukaryotic genomes.
These elements employ strategies like chromosomal dispersal to enhance transmission rates, even in outcrossing populations.
Evidence suggests a progression where initially parasitic elements can be co-opted and evolve into essential genetic components.

Conclusions:

Mobile genetic elements play a significant role in eukaryotic genome evolution.
The evolutionary path of transposons can lead from parasitic exploitation to integration as fundamental cellular components.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending genome complexity and evolution.