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Related Concept Videos

Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

Gene Duplication and Divergence

The seminal work of Ohno in 1970 popularized the idea of gene duplication and divergence. DNA sequence comparison studies reveal that a large portion of the genes in bacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes was  generated by gene duplication and divergence, indicating its critical role in evolution.
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.
Gene Families01:57

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...
Convergent Evolution01:54

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.
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.
Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
10:25

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

Published on: November 3, 2014

Venom evolution through gene duplications.

Emily S W Wong1, Katherine Belov

  • 1Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. emily.wong@sydney.edu.au

Gene
|January 31, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Gene duplication is a key driver in the evolution of animal venoms, creating new toxin functions. This review explores how gene duplication and genomic processes shape venom diversity.

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Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects
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High Throughput Quantitative Expression Screening and Purification Applied to Recombinant Disulfide-rich Venom Proteins Produced in E. coli
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High Throughput Quantitative Expression Screening and Purification Applied to Recombinant Disulfide-rich Venom Proteins Produced in E. coli

Published on: July 30, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
10:25

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

Published on: November 3, 2014

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects
09:45

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High Throughput Quantitative Expression Screening and Purification Applied to Recombinant Disulfide-rich Venom Proteins Produced in E. coli
12:16

High Throughput Quantitative Expression Screening and Purification Applied to Recombinant Disulfide-rich Venom Proteins Produced in E. coli

Published on: July 30, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Venoms are complex mixtures of proteins and peptides.
  • Venoms have evolved independently across diverse animal taxa.
  • Gene duplication is a fundamental mechanism for generating novel biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of gene duplication in the origin and diversification of venom genes.
  • To explore selective advantages and retention of venom gene duplicates.
  • To examine other genomic processes contributing to venom evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on venom evolution and gene duplication.
  • Analysis of toxin gene evolution and innovation.
  • Focus on high-throughput sequencing technologies in venom research.

Main Results:

  • Gene duplication provides the substrate for novel venom toxin evolution.
  • Selective pressures drive the retention of beneficial venom gene duplicates.
  • Exon and domain duplications also contribute to venom complexity.

Conclusions:

  • Gene duplication is a primary mechanism for venom evolution and diversification.
  • Understanding venom evolution benefits from studying genomic processes and advanced sequencing.
  • Venom research continues to uncover the intricate evolutionary pathways of these complex biological weapons.