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Related Concept Videos

Genetic Variation01:25

Genetic Variation

344
Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles,...
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Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

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In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
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Embracing Complexity: Yeast Evolution Experiments Featuring Standing Genetic Variation.

Molly K Burke1

  • 1Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA. molly.burke@oregonstate.edu.

Journal of Molecular Evolution
|February 8, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Yeast evolution experiments can now explore standing genetic variation by utilizing sexual reproduction. This review highlights methods and best practices for these studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Keywords:
Experimental evolutionOutcrossingStanding genetic variationYeast

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Microbial genetics

Background:

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well-established model for laboratory evolution experiments.
  • Traditionally, yeast evolution studies use isogenic ancestors and asexual reproduction.
  • Recent growth in studying standing genetic variation has expanded experimental approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review yeast evolution experiments utilizing standing genetic variation.
  • To detail methods for initiating and maintaining diversity through sexual recombination.
  • To discuss challenges and best practices in this research area.

Main Methods:

  • Compiling a list of yeast evolution experiments involving standing genetic variation.
  • Describing protocols for inducing sexual recombination in evolving yeast populations.
  • Outlining experimental setup and unique challenges.

Main Results:

  • Yeast's facultative sexual nature allows for studying the evolution of standing genetic variation.
  • Sexual recombination can be leveraged to maintain and explore genetic diversity during evolution experiments.
  • Best practices are emerging for this growing research niche.

Conclusions:

  • Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is an excellent model for studying eukaryotic evolution, particularly standing genetic variation.
  • Incorporating sexual reproduction significantly broadens the scope of evolutionary hypotheses testable with yeast.
  • This review provides a guide for researchers entering this field.