Asexual reproduction reduces transposable element load in experimental yeast populations.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 31486772.
- Also identified by DOI 10.7554/eLife.48548 and PMC identifier 6783261.
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Abstract
Theory predicts that sexual reproduction can either facilitate or restrain transposable element (TE) accumulation by providing TEs with a means of spreading to all individuals in a population, versus facilitating TE load reduction via purifying selection. By quantifying genomic TE loads over time in experimental sexual and asexual <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> populations, we provide direct evidence that TE loads decrease rapidly under asexual reproduction. We show, using simulations, that this reduction may occur via evolution of TE activity, most likely via increased excision rates. Thus, sex is a major driver of genomic TE loads and at the root of the success of TEs.
Medical subject headings
- DNA Transposable Elements
- Evolution, Molecular
- Reproduction, Asexual
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae