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The evolutionary dynamics of repetitive DNA in eukaryotes

Nature volume 371, pages 215–220 (1994)Cite this article

Abstract

Repetitive DNA sequences form a large portion of the genomes of eukaryotes. The 'selfish DNA' hypothesis proposes that they are maintained by their ability to replicate within the genome. The behaviour of repetitive sequences can result in mutations that cause genetic diseases, and confer significant fitness losses on the organism. Features of the organization of repetitive sequences in eukaryotic genomes, and their distribution in natural populations, reflect the evolutionary forces acting on selfish DNA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E.57th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60637, USA

    Brian Charlesworth

  2. Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA

    Paul Sniegowski

  3. Department of Zoology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA

    Wolfgang Stephan

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  1. Brian Charlesworth
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  2. Paul Sniegowski
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  3. Wolfgang Stephan
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Charlesworth, B., Sniegowski, P. & Stephan, W. The evolutionary dynamics of repetitive DNA in eukaryotes. Nature 371, 215–220 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1038/371215a0

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