How do gene duplication and exon shuffling lead to new genes?
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: Gene duplication results in a second copy of a gene on the same chromosome. At first, both
copies will produce the same protein. However, over time, mutations can arise that change
the genes. If these mutations are not deleterious, the “new” gene will be able to ultimately
produce a slightly different protein from the original gene that may function slightly
differently. Exon shuffling is a mechanism whereby exons from existing genes are combined
in new ways to produce new genes that may produce new functional proteins.
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a. plant b. fungus c. animal d. protists