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Related Concept Videos

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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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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Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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Gene Duplication and Divergence02:37

Gene Duplication and Divergence

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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...
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Gene Families01:57

Gene Families

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Gene families consist of groups of genes proposed to have originated from a common ancestor. Typically these arise through events in which a gene or genes are mistakenly duplicated during cell division. Unlike their parent genes (which are subject to selection pressure to maintain function), these gene copies do not need to preserve their sequences and may evolve at a relatively faster rate.
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
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Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

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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...
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Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

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Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
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Quantitative Comparison of cis-Regulatory Element CRE Activities in Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster
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Supergenes and their role in evolution.

M J Thompson1, C D Jiggins2

  • 11] Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK [2] Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK.

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|March 20, 2014
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The supergene concept explains how multiple traits adapt to complex environments. Modern molecular methods confirm its relevance in maintaining balanced polymorphisms through tightly linked genes.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Adaptation to complex environments often requires changes in multiple traits.
  • Balanced polymorphisms involve the coexistence of multiple phenotypes maintained by selective forces.

Observation:

  • The supergene concept describes how tightly linked loci create a single genetic unit for balanced polymorphisms.
  • Recent molecular studies have elucidated the genetic basis of several supergenes.

Findings:

  • Major chromosomal inversions are linked to polymorphisms in various species, reducing recombination.
  • In plant self-incompatibility, multiple tightly linked elements within supergenes maintain balanced polymorphism.

Implications:

  • The supergene concept, supported by molecular evidence, remains a vital framework for understanding adaptation.
  • Modern molecular techniques enhance the testability and relevance of supergene research.