Gene conversion
Gene Conversion
Gene conversion (pronounced: /dʒiːn kənˈvɜːʃən/) is a molecular mechanism in DNA repair and genetic recombination, which results in the transfer of genetic information from one DNA helix (donor) to another DNA helix (acceptor) that is broken or damaged.
Etymology
The term "gene conversion" was first coined in the 1960s to describe the non-reciprocal transfer of genetic information between homologous sequences. The word "gene" comes from the Greek word "genos" meaning race or kind, and "conversion" comes from the Latin word "conversionem" meaning a turning around.
Mechanism
Gene conversion begins when a DNA helix is broken or damaged. The damaged DNA molecule then invades a homologous DNA molecule and uses it as a template for repair. This process can result in the transfer of genetic information from the donor DNA molecule to the acceptor DNA molecule. This transfer of genetic information is non-reciprocal, meaning that only the acceptor DNA molecule is altered.
Related Terms
- Homologous recombination: A type of genetic recombination in which nucleotide sequences are exchanged between two similar or identical molecules of DNA.
- Non-reciprocal recombination: A type of genetic recombination in which genetic information is transferred from one DNA molecule to another without the reciprocal transfer of genetic information.
- DNA repair: The collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
- Genetic recombination: The production of offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gene conversion
- Wikipedia's article - Gene conversion
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