When duplicated genes don't stick to the rules

Article Abstract:

Orthologous genes have identical or highly similar functions, while paralogs evolve different functions which are described as exceptions to this pattern and that provide a challenge to the understanding of the evolution of multigene families. It is concluded that essential developmental functions can be randomly assigned to either product of a gene-duplication event.

Author: Van de Peer, Y.
Belgium, Physiological aspects, Arabidopsis

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Adaptive evolution or genetic drift? Does genome complexity produce organismal complexity?

Article Abstract:

The genomes of eukaryotes are generally larger than those of prokaryotes and genome size is not correlated with organismal complexity. In response to environmental change on our planet, most species have become extinct, some have retained their structural integrity and a few have evolved greater organismic complexity.

Author: Phillips, R.B.
United States, Analysis, Biological complexity

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The rise and falls of introns

Article Abstract:

A debate is presented regarding at what point in the tree of life did the evolution of eukaryote introns appear and their subsequent pattern of loss and gain. Arguments suggest an ancient eukaryotic origin for the introns and the subsequent gain and loss of introns appear to be an ongoing process in many organisms.

Author: Belshaw, R., Bensasson, D.
United Kingdom, Introns

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Subjects list: Research, Genetic aspects, Eukaryotes, Phylogeny
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