Inteins, introns, and homing endonucleases: recent revelations about the life cycle of parasitic genetic elements
2006
Understanding Parasitic Genetic Elements
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Gogarten J Peter, Hilario Elena
Hypothesis
How do self-splicing introns and inteins persist in populations despite their parasitic nature?
Conclusion
Recent findings suggest that parasitic genetic elements can persist in populations longer than previously thought due to complex population structures and potential benefits to the host.
Supporting Evidence
- Parasitic genetic elements can persist longer than expected in populations.
- Complex population structures may prevent fixation of these elements.
- Some homing endonucleases may provide benefits to their host organisms.
Takeaway
Some tiny parts of DNA can live on for a long time even if they don't help the host, and scientists are trying to figure out why.
Limitations
The applicability of the homing cycle model is challenged by findings in asexual organisms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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