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Related Concept Videos

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?02:05

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

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The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
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Types of Selection01:46

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Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...
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Limits to Natural Selection01:38

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Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.
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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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What is Natural Selection?01:32

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Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.
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Genetic Drift03:33

Genetic Drift

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Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat
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Accelerated evolution of chosen genes.

Rory L Williams1, Chang C Liu1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 25, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Orthogonal replication allows for fast, continuous biomolecular evolution in Escherichia coli. This method accelerates the development of new biological functions and molecules.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Biomolecular evolution is crucial for developing novel biological functions.
  • Current methods for directed evolution can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
  • Escherichia coli is a widely used model organism for genetic manipulation and biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and validate a novel orthogonal replication system for accelerated biomolecular evolution.
  • To demonstrate the efficiency of continuous evolution in Escherichia coli using this system.
  • To enable rapid adaptation and optimization of biomolecules.

Main Methods:

  • Development of an orthogonal replication system in Escherichia coli.
  • Implementation of continuous culture techniques for directed evolution.

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  • Monitoring of genetic and phenotypic changes over multiple generations.

    • Main Results:

    • Orthogonal replication facilitated rapid and continuous evolutionary cycles.
    • Significant improvements in desired biomolecular functions were observed.
    • The system demonstrated high fidelity and efficiency in generating diverse variants.

    Conclusions:

    • Orthogonal replication is a powerful tool for accelerating biomolecular evolution in Escherichia coli.
    • This approach offers a streamlined pathway for protein engineering and synthetic biology.
    • The method has broad implications for discovering and optimizing biological molecules.