Fates of Duplicated Genes

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About This MicroSim

Chapter 6: Gene Duplication, Structural Rearrangements, and Genome Evolution

Library: p5.js

Type: Interactive diagram sim-id: gene-duplication-fates
Library: p5.js
Status: Specified

An interactive diagram starting with a single ancestral gene that undergoes duplication (animated split into two copies). A timeline slider labeled "Evolutionary Time" allows users to advance through generations. At each time step, random mutations accumulate in both copies (shown as colored dots on the gene bar). Users select one of four fate pathways via buttons: (1) Conservation, where both copies stay functional; (2) Neofunctionalization, where one copy turns a new color representing a new function; (3) Subfunctionalization, where each copy loses a different expression domain (shown as colored tissue icons dimming); (4) Pseudogenization, where one copy accumulates a stop codon (shown as a red X) and grays out. Each pathway includes a brief text explanation and a real-world example (e.g., globin genes for neofunctionalization).