The genesis of genes: how evolution builds from scratch
A new review synthesizes the current understanding of how entirely new protein-coding genes can emerge from non-coding DNA sequences, a process known as de novo gene evolution. The authors detail the methods for identifying these novel genes and explore the evolutionary mechanisms that allow them to arise and become functional. They also examine the structural characteristics of the proteins these new genes encode, revealing patterns that distinguish them from older, established genes.
Why it might matter to you:
This work provides a fundamental framework for interpreting the origins of genetic novelty, a core concept in evolutionary biology. For a professor shaping the next generation of biologists, it offers a timely and comprehensive update on a dynamic area of research that bridges genomics, molecular evolution, and protein structure. Integrating these concepts can enrich your teaching on genome plasticity and the mechanisms of adaptation.
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