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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...
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...
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
04:52

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Published on: February 3, 2023

New gene evolution: little did we know.

Manyuan Long1, Nicholas W VanKuren, Sidi Chen

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637;

Annual Review of Genetics
|September 21, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

New genes constantly arise and evolve, shaping life's diversity. Understanding gene origination reveals how these genetic innovations rapidly alter biological systems and drive evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Genomes are dynamic, with genes continuously being added and removed throughout evolutionary history.
  • The origin and evolution of new genes are fundamental to understanding biological diversity and adaptation.
  • Previous research has begun to illuminate the mechanisms and significance of novel gene formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of new gene origination and evolution.
  • To synthesize evidence on the mechanisms, patterns, and roles of newly evolved genes.
  • To highlight the impact of new genes on biological systems and phenotypic evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on gene evolution.
  • Analysis of evidence for new gene formation mechanisms.
  • Examination of data on the prevalence, rates, and patterns of new gene origination across organisms.

Main Results:

  • New genes originate through various mechanisms, contributing to genome novelty.
  • The presence and origination rates of new genes vary across different species.
  • New genes play crucial roles in the evolution of molecular, cellular, and phenotypic traits.

Conclusions:

  • New gene evolution is a significant driver of biological innovation and diversity.
  • Understanding new gene origination provides insights into the adaptability of life.
  • Newly formed genes can rapidly modify existing genetic systems, influencing evolutionary trajectories.