Copy number change: evolving views on gene amplification
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Robust Detection of Gene Amplification in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Samples by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Published on: July 12, 2024
Kathryn T Elliott1, Laura E Cuff, Ellen L Neidle
1Biology Department, The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA. elliottk@tcnj.edu
Abstract:
The rapid pace of genomic sequence analysis is increasing the awareness of intrinsically dynamic genetic landscapes. Gene duplication and amplification (GDA) contribute to adaptation and evolution by allowing DNA regions to expand and contract in an accordion-like fashion. This process affects diverse aspects of bacterial infection, including antibiotic resistance and host-pathogen interactions. In this review, microbial GDA is discussed, primarily using recent bacterial examples that demonstrate medical and evolutionary consequences. Interplay between GDA and horizontal gene transfer further impact evolutionary trajectories. Complementing the discovery of gene duplication in clinical and environmental settings, experimental evolution provides a powerful method to document genetic change over time. New methods for GDA detection highlight both its importance and its potential application for genetic engineering, synthetic biology and biotechnology.
Related Concept Videos
Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
Gene Duplication and Divergence
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 Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes
Gene Conversion

