Interactions between transposable elements and the W chromosome influence evolution and speciation

Vogel, Teije (2024) Interactions between transposable elements and the W chromosome influence evolution and speciation. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

This literature-research paper gives insights of the most recent findings considering transposable elements and the evolution of the W-chromosome. Transposable elements are mobile genes that move through the genome from one location to another. Their ability to change DNA strands and control epigenetic expression makes them essential in the diversification and speciation of organisms. In this paper, the impact of transposons on the host together with the evolved defense mechanisms are discussed. According to various studies, it has been hypothesized that incomplete silencing of LTR transposons (mostly endogenous retroviruses) increases the mutational load suggesting that this contribute to the ‘toxic’ W-chromosome and the reduced life spam of female birds. The accumulation and activity of transposable elements (TEs) on the W chromosome indicate that it serves as a reservoir for potentially active TEs. This phenomenon has significant evolutionary implications, such as enhancing genetic diversity and impacting reproductive isolation and speciation. This paper will provide information about the current state of the knowledge, there is about TEs and the further prospects that still need to be studied.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Verhulst, S.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	12 Jul 2024 08:17
Last Modified:	12 Jul 2024 08:17
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/33288

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