After many cell divisions, a segment of DNA can accumulate more base pairs than it originally had through a process known as gene duplication. Gene duplication occurs when a segment of DNA is replicated multiple times within the genome, leading to the presence of additional copies of a particular gene or set of genes. This process can occur due to errors during DNA replication, genetic recombination, or through the activity of transposable elements.
Once duplicated, the additional copies of genes can undergo various evolutionary fates. They may accumulate mutations over time, leading to the divergence of gene function and the emergence of novel traits. Alternatively, the duplicated genes may undergo subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization, where each copy acquires distinct functions or regulatory roles.
In some cases, the duplicated genes may confer selective advantages, such as improved adaptability to environmental changes or enhanced biological functions. As a result, the duplicated segment of DNA, along with its additional base pairs, may become fixed within the population over successive generations through natural selection.
Overall, gene duplication is a fundamental process in genome evolution that can lead to an increase in the number of base pairs within a segment of DNA, contributing to genetic diversity and the emergence of new biological functions.
