9-Genomes and Evolution

Genome Size

The total number of base pairs in the genetic material of an organism.

Eukaryotic Genomes

Genetic material of complex organisms that contain membrane-bound nuclei.

Prokaryotic Genomes

Genetic material of bacteria and archaea that is not enclosed in a nucleus.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than through traditional reproduction.

Transduction

A process whereby bacteria acquire DNA from a virus (bacteriophage) that infects them.

Transformation

The uptake of free DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.

Conjugation

The direct transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell to another via a conjugative pilus.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene that may exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

Pseudogene

A non-functional gene that arose by duplication but has lost its ability to be expressed.

Transposons

Genetic elements that can move within and between genomes, often referred to as 'jumping genes.'

Mitochondrial Genome

The genetic material found in mitochondria, distinct from nuclear DNA.

Gene Duplication

A mechanism that can lead to evolution, where a segment of DNA is copied, resulting in two copies.

Exons

Coding regions of a gene that are expressed as proteins.

Introns

Non-coding regions of a gene that are spliced out of the RNA transcript before translation.

Incomplete Lineage Sorting

A situation where the genetic variation in a population does not match the expected pattern of inheritance.

Microsatellites

Short sequences of DNA repeated in tandem, often used in genetic profiling.