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Related Concept Videos

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...
Organization of Genes02:07

Organization of Genes

Overview
RNA Splicing01:32

RNA Splicing

Splicing is the process by which eukaryotic RNA is edited before its translation into protein. The RNA strand transcribed from eukaryotic DNA is called the primary transcript. The primary transcripts that become mRNAs are called precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Eukaryotic pre-mRNA contains alternating sequences of exons and introns. Exons are nucleotide sequences that code for proteins, whereas introns are the non-coding regions. In RNA splicing, introns are removed and exons are bonded...
RNA Splicing01:32

RNA Splicing

Splicing is the process by which eukaryotic RNA is edited before its translation into protein. The RNA strand transcribed from eukaryotic DNA is called the primary transcript. The primary transcripts that become mRNAs are called precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Eukaryotic pre-mRNA contains alternating sequences of exons and introns. Exons are nucleotide sequences that code for proteins, whereas introns are the non-coding regions. In RNA splicing, introns are removed and exons are bonded...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

In vivo Application of the REMOTE-control System for the Manipulation of Endogenous Gene Expression
08:54

In vivo Application of the REMOTE-control System for the Manipulation of Endogenous Gene Expression

Published on: March 29, 2019

Genome evolution: where do new introns come from?

Scott William Roy1, Manuel Irimia

  • 1Department of Biology, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|July 14, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cryptic elements can create spliceosomal introns in fungi, offering insights into intron evolution. This discovery may explain long-standing mysteries in the field.

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ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

In vivo Application of the REMOTE-control System for the Manipulation of Endogenous Gene Expression
08:54

In vivo Application of the REMOTE-control System for the Manipulation of Endogenous Gene Expression

Published on: March 29, 2019

ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast
07:31

ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast

Published on: June 30, 2022

Area of Science:

  • * Evolutionary Biology
  • * Molecular Biology
  • * Mycology

Background:

  • * The origin and evolution of spliceosomal introns remain a significant challenge in molecular biology.
  • * Intron gain and loss dynamics are crucial for understanding genome evolution across eukaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the mechanisms behind the creation of spliceosomal introns in fungal species.
  • * To explore the role of cryptic genetic elements in intron formation.
  • * To assess the broader implications of these findings for intron evolution in eukaryotes.

Main Methods:

  • * Comparative genomics analysis across multiple related fungal species.
  • * Identification and characterization of cryptic genetic elements.
  • * Phylogenetic analysis to trace the evolutionary history of introns.

Main Results:

  • * Demonstrated the proliferation of cryptic elements leading to the de novo creation of spliceosomal introns in several fungal lineages.
  • * Identified specific types of cryptic elements responsible for intron insertion.
  • * Found evolutionary parallels between fungal intron creation and previously observed cases in unrelated algae.

Conclusions:

  • * Cryptic genetic elements are a significant source of novel introns in fungi.
  • * The mechanisms observed in fungi provide a potential general explanation for intron evolution and the resolution of long-standing evolutionary mysteries.
  • * These findings highlight the dynamic nature of eukaryotic genomes and the importance of mobile genetic elements in shaping genome architecture.