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Related Concept Videos

Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons02:54

Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons

Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is that if two species share a common feature, it is likely encoded by the DNA sequence conserved between both species. The advent of genome sequencing technologies in the late 20th century enabled scientists to understand the concept of conservation of domains between species and helped them to deduce evolutionary relationships across diverse...
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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.
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

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Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

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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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Mapping Mammalian 3D Genome Interactions with Micro-C-XL
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Published on: November 3, 2023

Elevated retrocopy burden and sloth-specific expansions illuminate mammalian genome evolution.

Marcela Uliano-Silva1,2, Helena Beatriz da Conceição3, Rafael L V Mercuri3,4

  • 1Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK. mu2@sanger.ac.uk.

BMC Biology
|May 20, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Retrotransposon activity significantly shaped xenarthran genomes, with retrocopies contributing to unique adaptations in sloths and other species. This study reveals retrocopy origination as a key driver of evolutionary novelty in mammals.

Keywords:
Comparative genomicsGenome evolutionLINE1 retrotransposonMammalsMetabolic adaptationRetrocopyRetrogene domesticationSlothsXenarthra

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Published on: July 27, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Mammalian Genetics

Background:

  • Xenarthrans (sloths, anteaters, armadillos) exhibit unique adaptations, but their genomic basis is poorly understood.
  • Retrotransposon-mediated gene duplications (retrocopies) are investigated as a driver of xenarthran genome evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present chromosome-level genomes for the two-toed sloth and southern anteater.
  • To investigate the role of retrocopies in xenarthran genome evolution and adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of sloth and anteater genomes.
  • Identification and characterization of retrocopies and their expression patterns.
  • Evolutionary analyses to detect retrocopy domestication.

Main Results:

  • Xenarthran genomes possess a high number of retrocopies, with lineage-specific insertion patterns.
  • Sloths exhibit numerous young retrocopies, potentially linked to metabolic specializations.
  • 38 retrocopies with signs of domestication were identified in the two-toed sloth.

Conclusions:

  • Retrotransposition is a major force in shaping xenarthran genomic architecture.
  • Retrocopy origination generates lineage-specific novelty and may contribute to distinct biological specializations.