Gene duplication, transfer, and evolution in the chloroplast genome.
In addition to the nuclear genome, organisms have organelle genomes. Most of the DNA present in eukaryotic organisms is located in the cell nucleus. Chloroplasts have independent genomes which are inherited from the mother. Duplicated genes are common in the genomes of all organisms. It is believed that gene duplication is the most important step for the origin of genetic variation, leading to the creation of new genes and new gene functions. Despite the fact that extensive gene duplications are rare among the chloroplast genome, gene duplication in the chloroplast genome is an essential source of new genetic functions and a mechanism of neo-evolution. The events of gene transfer between the chloroplast genome and nuclear genome via duplication and subsequent recombination are important processes in evolution. The duplicated gene or genome in the nucleus has been the subject of several recent reviews. In this review, we will briefly summarize gene duplication and evolution in the chloroplast genome. Also, we will provide an overview of gene transfer events between chloroplast and nuclear genomes.
Xiong
Ai-Sheng
AS
Biotechnology Research institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China.
Peng
Ri-He
RH
Zhuang
Jing
J
Gao
Feng
F
Zhu
Bo
B
Fu
Xiao-Yan
XY
Xue
Yong
Y
Jin
Xiao-Feng
XF
Tian
Yong-Sheng
YS
Zhao
Wei
W
Yao
Quan-Hong
QH
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics; D002736:Chloroplasts / Q000235:genetics*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D020440:Gene Duplication; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal; D054628:Genome, Chloroplast; D018745:Genome, Plant; D008954:Models, Biological; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics