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Related Concept Videos

The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
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...
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.
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...
Genetic Drift03:33

Genetic Drift

Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
04:52

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Genome evolution: extinction, continuation or explosion?

J S Pat Heslop-Harrison1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK. phh4@leicester.ac.uk

Current Opinion in Plant Biology
|April 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding genome evolution, including DNA changes and chromosome rearrangements, is key to conserving plant biodiversity and breeding sustainable crops for a growing human population.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Daily Transfers, Archiving Populations, and Measuring Fitness in the Long-Term Evolution Experiment with Escherichia coli
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Daily Transfers, Archiving Populations, and Measuring Fitness in the Long-Term Evolution Experiment with Escherichia coli

Published on: August 18, 2023

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells
14:26

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

Published on: April 4, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Plant science

Background:

  • Darwin observed speciation and extinction.
  • Genome evolution involves DNA mutations, rearrangements, and gene transfer.
  • Hybridization and polyploidy are significant evolutionary processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To link genome behavior to its evolutionary consequences.
  • To highlight the importance of genome evolution for biodiversity and agriculture.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of DNA sequence information.
  • Utilizing bioinformatic tools.
  • Employing experimental approaches like synthetic hybrid generation, comparative genomics, and modeling.

Main Results:

  • Current understanding links genome-scale processes to evolutionary outcomes.
  • DNA sequence data and computational tools are crucial for these insights.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding genome evolution is vital for plant conservation.
  • Knowledge of genome evolution aids in developing sustainable crop breeding strategies.