Molecular Evolution Lecture Notes (Session 37)

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on molecular evolution, focusing on mutations, gene duplication, and mechanisms driving complexity in genomes.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can drive molecular evolution.

Neutral mutation

A mutation that has no effect on the fitness of the individual and is not acted upon by evolution.

Genetic drift

Random fluctuations in allele frequencies of a gene in a population.

Deleterious mutation

A mutation that has a negative effect on the fitness of the individual and is removed from the gene pool by natural selection.

Favorable mutation

A mutation that has a positive effect on the fitness of the individual and can increase in frequency in the gene pool.

Gene duplication

A process where sections of DNA are copied, leading to new functions or gene regulation changes.

Pseudogene

A non-functional gene that accumulates mutations over evolutionary time.

Exon shuffling

A process that can produce new protein functions through the rearrangement of exons.

Whole genome duplication

A scenario where the entire genome is duplicated, often due to a failure in cytokinesis during meiosis.

Alpha-globin gene cluster

A cluster of genes responsible for producing alpha-globin proteins, part of the globin gene super-family.

Transposition

The movement of DNA sequences within the genome, which can lead to gene duplication.