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How do new genes get created through gene duplication? Uncovering the evolution of gene families!
A gene family is a group of similar genes that are copies of a single original gene and usually have similar biochemical functions. The duplication of these genes forms complex genetic networks that drive the evolution of biodiversity and adaptability. Taking the human hemoglobin gene as an example, scientists have discovered that ten genes are located on different chromosomes, forming two gene clusters, namely α-heme and β-heme.
"The process of gene duplication and mutation is an important driving force of biological evolution."
Genes are grouped into families based on shared nucleotide or protein sequences. Using phylogenetic techniques, scientists were able to more rigorously examine the common ancestry of these genes. Researchers can compare similarities based on the protein sequences that genes encode, an approach that provides deeper information than simple DNA sequence comparisons, reflecting the importance of gene families in biology.
Gene family structure
The process of gene family formation actually begins with multiple duplications of ancestral genes, and over time, these genes diverge in mutations. In a lineage, duplications can occur within a species (for example, humans may have two copies of a gene while chimpanzees have only one) or as a result of species divergence. In this case, a gene may have only one presence in the ancestral species but appear multiple times in different species due to species divergence.
Types of gene replication
In the process of gene family formation, scientists divide duplication into four main levels: exon duplication and recombination, whole gene duplication, multigene family expansion and whole genome duplication. Gene duplication is not only an important way to create new genes, but also the key to increasing genetic diversity.
"Gene duplication makes it possible for new gene functions to emerge, and mutation plays an important role in this process."
When genes are duplicated, some may retain their original functions, while others may acquire new functions after mutation. This is closely related to the selection pressure of species in geological history, which causes certain genes to gain more copies as the environment changes, thereby adapting to new survival challenges.
Gene movement and differentiation
Gene members exist in various forms within a gene family; some genes may be adjacent to each other due to duplication, while others may be located at different positions throughout the genome. The activity of transposable elements plays an important role in this process. These transposable elements can actively move in the genome and affect the arrangement and distribution of genes.
"Gene movement can promote diversity and adaptability among gene family members."
Evolution and function of gene families
Gene families not only organize genes structurally, but also help explain the process of biological evolution. Through gene expansion and contraction, some genes will gradually evolve new functions and even form completely new gene families. The increase or decrease of genetic diversity often depends on the survival needs of organisms and changes in the environment. In some cases, as environmental stress increases, certain genes will rapidly replicate and increase their copy number to adapt to the new survival challenges.
ConclusionGene families are crucial to understanding how species evolve; expanding or contracting gene families reflect how organisms interact with their environment and adapt to changes. Gene duplication and mutation not only bring new functions to individuals, but also promote the adaptation and optimization of the entire ecosystem. In such a complex evolutionary process, we can't help but think:
Can this process of gene replication and evolution solve the mysteries remaining in the origin of life?
