Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Nature. 1994 Sep 15;371(6494):215-20.
Related Articles, Links
Click here to read
The evolutionary dynamics of repetitive DNA in eukaryotes.

Charlesworth B, Sniegowski P, Stephan W.

Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637.

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.

Publication Types:
PMID: 8078581 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]