Génaduplázódás

Génaduplázódás is a biological process where a gene is duplicated. This can occur through various mechanisms, including errors during DNA replication or through more complex recombination events. The resulting extra copy of the gene can then evolve independently.

The consequences of génaduplázódás can be significant. One copy of the gene can maintain its original function, while the other copy is free to accumulate mutations. These mutations might lead to the new gene acquiring a novel function, or it could become non-functional and eventually be lost from the genome. This process is considered a major driving force in the evolution of new genes and the diversification of biological functions.

Many gene families, such as those encoding globin proteins or olfactory receptors, are thought to have arisen through a series of génaduplázódás events followed by functional divergence. This duplication and divergence model provides a framework for understanding how complex genomes and their associated traits can evolve over time. The study of génaduplázódás is therefore crucial for understanding evolutionary biology, genomics, and the development of new genetic technologies.