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Related Concept Videos

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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Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

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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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Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria01:29

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The DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes are intricately coupled in bacteria, allowing efficient gene expression and rapid protein synthesis. While this physical and functional coordination is advantageous, it introduces challenges that bacteria overcome through specific regulatory mechanisms.Coupling of Replication, Transcription, and TranslationThe coupling of replication, transcription, and translation is a hallmark of bacterial gene expression. As the replisome unwinds...
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Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms02:18

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

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Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.
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Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes00:46

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

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The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
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Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing01:28

Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing

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Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that enables coordinated gene expression in response to changes in population density. This facilitates collective behaviors that enhance survival, resource acquisition, and ecological adaptation. This process relies on small signaling molecules called autoinducers that accumulate as bacterial populations grow. When a critical threshold concentration of autoinducers is reached, bacterial cells collectively modify gene expression,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli
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Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli

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The gossip paradox: Why do bacteria share genes?

Alastair D Jamieson-Lane1,2, Bernd Blasius2

  • 1Department of Mathematics, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.

Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering : MBE
|May 23, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Bacteria share genes via plasmids, benefiting recipients but not donors. Our models show

Keywords:
Conjugationagent based modelevolutionary dynamicsevolutionary game theoryhorizontal gene transferplasmidpublic good

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Bacteria possess chromosomal genes and plasmids, with plasmids facilitating horizontal gene transfer.
  • Plasmid gene sharing offers benefits like new traits (e.g., antibiotic resistance) to recipients and host diversity for plasmids.
  • The evolutionary advantage for donor cells sharing plasmids, despite fitness costs and risks, remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary dynamics and selective pressures driving plasmid gene sharing in bacterial populations.
  • To explain the paradox of why bacteria freely share genetic information despite potential disadvantages for donor cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized compartment-based models to simulate bacterial population dynamics.
  • Employed agent-based simulations to analyze gene transfer strategies.
  • Compared the fitness of 'secretive' (gene transfer restricting) and 'generous' (gene transfer permissive) genes.

Main Results:

  • 'Secretive' genes that limit horizontal gene transfer are favored by selection across various models and parameters.
  • 'Generous' chromosomal genes promoting plasmid transfer show neutral or disfavored fitness.
  • Even without direct costs, restricting gene transfer provides a selective advantage.

Conclusions:

  • Selection favors genetic mechanisms that restrict horizontal gene transfer, even when sharing appears beneficial.
  • The widespread bacterial gene sharing suggests complex evolutionary factors beyond simple fitness costs and benefits.
  • Findings highlight a paradox between the selective advantage of gene restriction and the observed prevalence of gene sharing.