The role of selfish genetic elements in eukaryotic evolution

G D Hurst; J H Werren

doi:10.1038/35084545

The role of selfish genetic elements in eukaryotic evolution

Nat Rev Genet. 2001 Aug;2(8):597-606. doi: 10.1038/35084545.

Authors

G D Hurst¹, J H Werren

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biology, University College London, 4 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HE, UK. g.hurst@ucl.ac.uk

PMID: 11483984
DOI: 10.1038/35084545

Abstract

'Selfish genetic elements', such as transposons, homing endonucleases, meiotic drive chromosomes and heritable microorganisms, are common features of eukaryotes. However, their importance in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes is still controversial. In this review, we discuss these diverse elements and their potential importance in the evolution of genetic systems, adaptation, and the extinction and birth of species.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Chromosome Segregation / genetics
DNA Replication / genetics
DNA Restriction Enzymes / genetics
Eukaryotic Cells*
Evolution, Molecular*
Humans
Interspersed Repetitive Sequences / genetics

Substances

DNA Restriction Enzymes