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Gene Conversion

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

Gene Conversion

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.

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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Genome-wide Surveillance of Transcription Errors in Eukaryotic Organisms

Genome-wide Surveillance of Transcription Errors in Eukaryotic Organisms

Published on: September 13, 2018

Evidence for widespread GC-biased gene conversion in eukaryotes.

Eugénie Pessia¹, Alexandra Popa, Sylvain Mousset

¹Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie évolutive, Villeurbanne, Cedex, France.

Genome Biology and Evolution

|May 26, 2012

Summary

GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) increases DNA GC content over evolutionary time. This study finds evidence suggesting gBGC is widespread across major eukaryotic groups, not just mammals and yeasts.

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Genome-wide Surveillance of Transcription Errors in Eukaryotic Organisms

Genome-wide Surveillance of Transcription Errors in Eukaryotic Organisms

Published on: September 13, 2018

Genome-wide Purification of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA from Eukaryotic Cells

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Published on: April 4, 2016

G2-seq: A High Throughput Sequencing-based Technique for Identifying Late Replicating Regions of the Genome

G2-seq: A High Throughput Sequencing-based Technique for Identifying Late Replicating Regions of the Genome

Published on: March 22, 2018

Area of Science:

Genomics
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) is a proposed mechanism for increasing DNA GC content.
gBGC is well-documented in mammals and yeasts, but evidence in other eukaryotes is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the prevalence of gBGC across diverse eukaryotic lineages.
To determine if gBGC influences GC content evolution in eukaryotes beyond mammals and yeasts.

Main Methods:

Analyzed 36 complete eukaryotic genomes from four major groups: Unikonts, Excavates, Chromalveolates, and Plantae.
Compared GC content with recombination rates where available.
Utilized chromosome size as a proxy for recombination rate in species lacking direct data.

Main Results:

A significant positive relationship between GC content and chromosome size (recombination proxy) was observed in 17 species.
Fifteen of these species exhibited patterns consistent with gBGC predictions.
Species consistent with gBGC were identified across all four major eukaryotic groups studied.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that gBGC is a potentially widespread evolutionary process in eukaryotes.
gBGC may play a significant role in shaping GC content across diverse eukaryotic genomes.
Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms and extent of gBGC in eukaryotes.