Gene+Duplication

Gene Duplication March 4, 2002 New genes are being created in the process of duplicating existing genes. Out of the 40,000 genes that have been produced through duplication, 15,000 of them are genes that have been created in the duplication process alone. Scientists think that the new genes have different traits and functions than the original genes. This has then made scientists think and assume that the reason for these new traits is the environment by which they are created in. The genes are getting the traits because they are adapting to their environment and the features in it. After many experiments, researchers believe that the original gene always stays the same, while its twin is constantly changing. The new gene is very helpful, so scientists wonder why the old one is not gotten rid of. The reason for that is because the old gene is still useful. Although it is old and there is a newer, more efficient gene, the old gene still performs functions that are necessary. The creation of new genes affects people in a positive way because it is a back up cell and it increases genetic diversity. In conclusion, even though there are new things always being discovered, the old version can still be helpful and provide information in one way or another.

mhockenbrocht March 10, 2010