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Crossing Over01:30

Crossing Over

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Crossing over is the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I. Genetic recombination gives rise to allelic diversity in the newly formed daughter cells. In humans, crossing over produces genetically distinct haploid egg and sperm cells that undergo fertilization to produce unique offspring. Before cell division starts, the germ cell’s chromosome(s) undergo duplication in the S phase of the cell cycle. As the cells enter prophase I,...
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Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
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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...
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As cells progress into mitosis, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the condensed chromosomes are exposed to the array of bipolar microtubules of the mitotic spindle. The kinetochore, a large, disc-shaped protein complex, is present at the centromere region of the sister chromatids and acts as a binding site for the microtubules.  Usually, the plus-end of a single microtubule is embedded within the kinetochore. However, some kinetochores first establish lateral contact with the side-wall...
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Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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Does microchimerism mediate kin conflicts?

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Summary
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Fetal microchimerism (FMc) and maternal microchimerism (MMc) benefit mother and offspring health. However, conflicting evolutionary interests, especially sibling competition, can lead to detrimental effects from microchimeric cells.

Keywords:
breast cancerinclusive fitnessinfertilityinterbirth intervalskin conflictmicrochimerism

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Maternal-fetal interactions

Background:

  • Fetal microchimerism (FMc) involves fetal cells in maternal tissues, and maternal microchimerism (MMc) involves maternal cells in fetal tissues.
  • These microchimeric cells are generally thought to benefit both mother and offspring fitness.
  • However, evolutionary conflicts can arise, particularly concerning resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary implications of fetal and maternal microchimerism.
  • To investigate how diverging maternal-fetal evolutionary interests, especially sibling rivalry, influence microchimerism.
  • To examine potential detrimental effects of microchimeric cells.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical modeling of evolutionary interests.
  • Analysis of existing literature on fetal and maternal microchimerism.
  • Consideration of reproductive strategies and sibling competition.

Main Results:

  • While generally beneficial, microchimerism can have divergent effects when maternal and offspring evolutionary interests conflict.
  • Fetal cells in mothers may promote lactogenesis or extend interbirth intervals, favoring specific offspring over siblings.
  • Maternal cells in fetuses might suppress sibling rivalry, but non-inherited maternal cells (or sibling microchimerism) may cause harm.

Conclusions:

  • Microchimerism's impact is context-dependent, influenced by evolutionary pressures and sibling competition.
  • The evolutionary interests of mothers and offspring are not always aligned, leading to potential trade-offs.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the complex, and sometimes detrimental, roles of microchimeric cells.