Origin And Evolution Of Telomeres (molecular Biology Intelligence Unit)
by Jozef Nosek /
2008 / English / PDF
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Linear chromosomes represent an evolutionary innovation associated
with the origin of eukaryotic cells. This book describes how linear
chromosomes and primordial pathways for maintaining their terminal
structures, telomeres, emerged in early eukaryotes. Telomeres,
derived from the Greek meaning terminal part, were first described
by Hermann Muller in 1938. Telomeres are specialized structures
that comprise the ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotes.
Linearity is crucial for chromosome pairing during meiosis and
sexual reproduction. Inspired by Dobzhansky's dictum that "nothing
in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution", this book
brings together information about the origin and evolution of
telomeres, their functions and the consequences of eukaryotic
linearity which is an essential prerequisite of meiotic cell
division and sexual reproduction. Selective pressure toward
linearization must have been associated with the emergence of
robust and redundant mechanisms for the maintenance of telomeres.
These pathways comprise a molecular clock involved in cell
senescence, carcinogenesis and immortalization.
Linear chromosomes represent an evolutionary innovation associated
with the origin of eukaryotic cells. This book describes how linear
chromosomes and primordial pathways for maintaining their terminal
structures, telomeres, emerged in early eukaryotes. Telomeres,
derived from the Greek meaning terminal part, were first described
by Hermann Muller in 1938. Telomeres are specialized structures
that comprise the ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotes.
Linearity is crucial for chromosome pairing during meiosis and
sexual reproduction. Inspired by Dobzhansky's dictum that "nothing
in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution", this book
brings together information about the origin and evolution of
telomeres, their functions and the consequences of eukaryotic
linearity which is an essential prerequisite of meiotic cell
division and sexual reproduction. Selective pressure toward
linearization must have been associated with the emergence of
robust and redundant mechanisms for the maintenance of telomeres.
These pathways comprise a molecular clock involved in cell
senescence, carcinogenesis and immortalization.