Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought

Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development, report scientists from the University of Chicago. They identified a gene, found only in one specific group of midge flies, which determines the patterning of the head and tail in developing embryos. This newly discovered gene has the same developmental role as an unrelated, previously-known gene which appears to have been lost or altered in certain fly families during evolution. The findings, published in Science on May 7, suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought.

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