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Evolution of the Genome definitions

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  • Point Mutation
    A single nucleotide pair change that can alter protein structure and function, sometimes with significant effects on the organism.
  • Regulatory DNA Sequence
    A non-coding region controlling gene expression, where changes can subtly or drastically impact gene activity and organism traits.
  • Gene Duplication
    A process creating extra gene copies, often through improper chromosome alignment, fueling genetic diversity and new functions.
  • Gene Family
    A group of related genes with similar sequences but specialized roles, often originating from duplication events.
  • Pseudogene
    A nonfunctional gene copy, often arising from duplication and mutation, that remains in the genome but is not expressed.
  • Processed Pseudogene
    A nonfunctional gene copy created when RNA is reverse-transcribed and inserted into the genome, usually in a silent region.
  • Whole Genome Duplication
    An event where an organism's entire genetic material is copied, sometimes resulting in larger or more complex organisms.
  • Polyploidization
    The condition of having multiple complete sets of chromosomes, often due to whole genome duplication, common in plants and some animals.
  • Intron
    A non-coding gene segment removed during RNA processing, present in most but not all eukaryotic genes.
  • Exon
    A coding gene segment retained in mature RNA, whose arrangement can vary to produce different protein forms.
  • Alternative Splicing
    A mechanism generating diverse protein isoforms by combining exons from a single gene in various orders.
  • Exon Shuffling
    A process combining exons from different genes, creating novel proteins and driving gene evolution.
  • Isoform
    A variant of a protein produced from the same gene through alternative splicing, differing in exon composition.
  • Simple Sequence Repeat
    A short DNA motif repeated many times throughout the genome, often with unclear function but influencing genome structure.
  • Mobile Genetic Element
    A DNA sequence capable of moving within the genome, potentially altering gene structure or regulation.
  • Transposon
    A type of mobile genetic element that can relocate as DNA or RNA, impacting gene function and genome evolution.