Lecture 8.2 Molecular Evolution

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to molecular evolution, gene transfer mechanisms, epigenetics, and developmental biology as discussed in the lecture.

Lateral Gene Transfer (LGT)

The horizontal movement of individual genes, organelles, or fragments of genomes from one lineage to another.

Transduction

Gene movement via virus infection, typically involving bacteriophages.

Conjugation

The transfer of genetic information by direct cell-to-cell contact or through a bridge-like connection (pilus) between bacterial cells.

Transformation

The uptake of genes from the environment, including from dead bacteria or archaea.

Epigenetic gene regulation

Modification of chromatin structure that impacts gene function and expression.

Methylation

The addition of a methyl group to DNA, which generally leads to silencing of gene transcription.

Histone acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histones, associated with relaxed chromatin and increased gene transcription.

Pseudogene

A gene copy that has accumulated mutations and lost its functional capability.

Gene duplication

The process by which a gene is copied in the genome, potentially leading to new gene functions.

Hox genes

A group of related genes that control the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis.

Heterometry

Variation in the amount of gene expression; for example, different beak sizes in Darwin's finches.

Heterochrony

Variation in the timing of gene expression during development, leading to morphological changes.

Heterotopy

Variation in the spatial expression of genes, affecting structures in different locations.

Homeotic genes

Genes that determine the identity of body parts, mutations in which lead to developmental anomalies.

Bioprospecting

The search for biologically derived compounds beneficial for human use.

In vitro evolution

The directed evolution of molecules in a laboratory setting to create new functions.

Molecular clock

A method used to estimate the time of evolution based on genetic data, particularly the rate of amino acid substitutions.

Gene family

A group of related genes that typically arose from a common ancestor through duplication events.

Hybridization

The process where interbreeding between species results in gene transfer, often leading to increased genetic diversity.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants derived from endosymbiotic bacteria, containing their own genetic material.

Viruses

Submicroscopic infectious agents that can transfer genes between hosts, impacting host genomes.

Antennapedia complex

A cluster of homeotic genes in fruit flies that determine the identity of segments in the embryo.

MeCP2

A protein that binds to methylated DNA and functions as a critical epigenetic regulator in neurons.

Circadian clock genes

Highly conserved genes across organisms that regulate the biological clock controlling physiological processes.