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Explore the use of bioinformatics and sequencing projects to analyze and compare genomes. Learn about the Human Genome Project, transposable elements, genome evolution, and the role of homeotic genes in evolutionary development.
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Chapter 21 Genomes and Their Evolution
Bioinformatics • Use of computers, software, and math models to process and integrate data from sequencing projects
Human Genome Project • Purpose: to sequence the entire human genome • Completed in 2003 • Genomes sequenced thus far*: 58,000 prokaryotes, 2700 eukaryotes, 5300 viruses * Data as of 1/27/16
Human DNA • 3 billion base pairs • ~20,000 genes • Only 1.5% codes for proteins (or RNA) • MostlyRepetitive DNA: sequences present in multiple copies
Transposable Elements • Make up 75% of repetitive DNA • Stretches of DNA that can be moved from one location to another in genome • Discovered by Barbara McClintock – corn breeding experiments • 2 Types: • Transposons • Retrotransposons
Transposons • Moves within genome via DNA intermediate • “cut & paste” or “copy & paste” mechanisms • Requires enzyme transposase
Retrotransposons • Move by means of RNA intermediate • Leaves copy at original site • Involves enzyme reverse transcriptase
Genome Evolution • Insertion effects of transposons: • Can interrupt or alter gene function • Multiple copies of genes • Duplication genes with related functions • Genes diverge by accumulating mutations • Some become nonfunctional pseudogenes • Eventually, new genes with new functions can occur
Multigene Families • Collections of 2 or more identical or very similar genes • Eg. hemoglobin: -globin and -globin gene families
Transposable elements contribute to evolution • Promote recombination, disrupt genes or control elements, & carry genes to new locations • May be harmful or lethal, but can also have small beneficial effects • Provides raw material for natural selection
Illustrative Example: Antifreeze Gene in Fish • Antifreeze proteins (AFP): produced by vertebrates, plants, fungi, bacteria to aid survival in sub-zero environments • Function: bind to ice crystals and prevent growth • Antarctic fish: old protein gene transformed into a new gene with new structure/function • Gene mutates duplicated divergent evolution
Evolutionary Development(Evo-devo) • Compares developmental processes to understand how changes can lead to evolution of organisms
Homeotic genes: master regulatory genes • Control placement and spatial organization of body parts Homeobox: widely conserved 180-nucleotide sequence within homeotic (Hox) genes • Found in many groups (fungi, animals, plants) • Hints at relatedness between all life forms