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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.
Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
The basic unit of the chromatin is the nucleosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around octameric histone proteins and short stretches of linker DNA separating individual nucleosomes. The histone proteins within the nucleosome have their...
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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...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
Polytene Chromosomes02:04

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...
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Genome Copying Errors

DNA replication is a well-evolved process that copies millions of base pairs with high fidelity during each cell division. Occasionally a wrong base or a long stretch of wrong bases may get added to the daughter strands. If the errors are left unchecked, cells might accumulate several mutations that might endanger their  survival. Therefore, the copying errors are checked and repaired at three levels.

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Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization
17:14

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

Published on: December 10, 2012

Chromosomal duplication is a transient evolutionary solution to stress.

Avihu H Yona1, Yair S Manor, Rebecca H Herbst

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|December 1, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Aneuploidy, an abnormal chromosome number, offers a temporary survival advantage under stress but is ultimately replaced by more stable genetic solutions. This study shows aneuploidy is a short-lived evolutionary intermediate, not a sustainable adaptation.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome number) is common in various organisms and cancer.
  • While often detrimental, aneuploidy can provide a selective advantage under stress.
  • Its long-term evolutionary stability as an adaptation remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term evolutionary dynamics and sustainability of aneuploidy.
  • To determine if aneuploidy can serve as a stable adaptation under stress.
  • To understand the role of aneuploidy in cellular evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory evolution experiments using yeast.
  • Long-term monitoring of aneuploidy dynamics under diverse stress conditions.
  • Analysis of chromosomal duplications and gene-level adaptations.

Main Results:

  • Chromosomal duplications arise as initial, transient solutions to abrupt stress.
  • These aneuploidies are eliminated even under persistent stress, replaced by gene-level adaptations.
  • Gradual stress application favors alternative solutions, bypassing aneuploidy.

Conclusions:

  • Aneuploidy acts as a temporary evolutionary "quick fix" for survival under strong, sudden selective pressures.
  • It is a transient intermediate, facilitating further adaptation rather than being a sustainable solution.
  • The evolutionary trajectory favors refined, gene-level adaptations over sustained aneuploidy.