Extra gene copies free one copy to acquire new functions, fuelling evolutionary innovation.
Duplicates can arise by unequal crossing over, retrotransposition or whole-genome duplication. One copy retains function, while the other may acquire a new function (neofunctionalisation), split functions (subfunctionalisation) or be lost.
Globin genes are a classic family from duplications.
Extra gene copies free one copy to acquire new functions, fuelling evolutionary innovation.
Gene Duplication is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Kin Selection, Speciation Genomics.
Vertebrates experienced two rounds of whole-genome duplication.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Gene Duplication. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Gene Duplication are Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Kin Selection, Speciation Genomics, Analogous Structures. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Gene Duplication. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Gene Duplication: Extra gene copies free one copy to acquire new functions, fuelling evolutionary innovation. Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Evolutionary Developmental Biology and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Studies how changes in developmental genes, such as Hox genes, produce evolutionary novelty.
🦎 EvolutionNatural selection favouring behaviours that help relatives, explained by Hamilton's rule rb greater than c.
🦎 EvolutionGenome-wide analysis that identifies the loci and islands of divergence responsible for reproductive isolation.
🦎 EvolutionSimilar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings.
🦎 Evolution