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Related Concept Videos

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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RNA Splicing01:32

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Splicing is the process by which eukaryotic RNA is edited before its translation into protein. The RNA strand transcribed from eukaryotic DNA is called the primary transcript. The primary transcripts that become mRNAs are called precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Eukaryotic pre-mRNA contains alternating sequences of exons and introns. Exons are nucleotide sequences that code for proteins, whereas introns are the non-coding regions. In RNA splicing, introns are removed and exons are bonded...
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Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

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As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
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Eukaryotic Evolution01:24

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The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
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LTR Retrotransposons03:08

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LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 12, 2026

ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast
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ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast

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Evolution of group II introns.

Steven Zimmerly1, Cameron Semper1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada.

Mobile DNA
|May 12, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Group II introns, ancient ribozymes, likely evolved into spliceosomal introns. This review explores their natural forms and evolutionary pathways, highlighting structural and biochemical links to the spliceosome.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Group II introns are ancient ribozymes and retroelements found in bacteria and eukaryotic organelles.
  • They are hypothesized to be the evolutionary precursors of nuclear pre-mRNA introns.
  • The precise evolutionary pathway from group II introns to eukaryotic introns remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of group II introns themselves.
  • To describe the diverse forms of group II introns found in nature.
  • To elucidate how these forms may have given rise to spliceosomal introns and other genetic elements.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on group II intron evolution.
  • Analysis of structural and biochemical data comparing group II introns and spliceosomes.
Keywords:
Mobile DNAMolecular evolutionRetroelementRibozymeSpliceosome

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  • Synthesis of existing research to support hypothesized evolutionary relationships.

    • Main Results:

    • Group II introns exhibit diverse forms across different organisms.
    • Evidence suggests a gradual evolutionary process from group II introns to spliceosomal introns.
    • Significant structural and biochemical similarities exist between group II introns and the spliceosome.

    Conclusions:

    • Group II introns represent a crucial evolutionary link to eukaryotic spliceosomes.
    • Understanding group II intron diversity is key to deciphering intron evolution.
    • Recent data provide strong support for the evolutionary relationship between group II introns and the spliceosome.