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Related Concept Videos

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...
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Genetic Material01:20

Genetic Material

Within the human body, a complex and detailed system of trillions of cells works in unison to sustain life. Each cell houses a nucleus, which contains 46 chromosomes divided into 23 pairs. Chromosomes are highly coiled structures made of the genetic material DNA. These chromosomes are essential carriers of genetic information, with half inherited from the mother through her egg and the other half from the father's sperm, combining to create the unique genetic makeup of an individual.
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...
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.

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Related Experiment Video

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An Allele-specific Gene Expression Assay to Test the Functional Basis of Genetic Associations
10:17

An Allele-specific Gene Expression Assay to Test the Functional Basis of Genetic Associations

Published on: November 3, 2010

How old is my gene?

John A Capra1, Maureen Stolzer, Dannie Durand

  • 1Center for Human Genetics Research and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.

Trends in Genetics : TIG
|August 7, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Estimating gene age is complex, as evolutionary histories vary. This study presents a framework to compare gene age estimation methods, highlighting that complex genes lack a single age. Future algorithms promise faster, more accurate estimates.

Keywords:
eukaryotesgene agemolecular clockphylogenetics

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Gene age correlates with function, interactions, disease links, and ecological distribution.
  • Estimating the evolutionary history of genes to determine a single age is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Introduce a framework for comparing current gene age estimation strategies.
  • Discuss differences and common issues in gene age quantification methods.
  • Argue that genes with complex evolutionary histories lack a single, definitive age.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of existing gene age estimation frameworks.
  • Identification of challenges and assumptions in gene age quantification.
  • Focus on eukaryotic gene families.

Main Results:

  • Current gene age estimation methods have limitations.
  • Genes with complex evolutionary paths do not possess a single, well-defined age.
  • Careful articulation of goals and assumptions is crucial for analyses using gene age estimates.

Conclusions:

  • A standardized framework is needed for gene age estimation.
  • Algorithmic advancements are paving the way for fast, accurate, and consistent gene age estimates.
  • Future work will enable integrated genome-wide analyses of gene evolutionary histories.