gene-conversion
Gene conversion involves nonreciprocal transfer of genetic information (during meiosis) in which gene sequences are copied across into a homologous DNA sequence during recombination. Holliday suggested that gene conversion may be explained by repair of heteroduplex DNA.
Whereas somatic hypermutation generates single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), a somatic gene conversion-like mechanisms diversify antibodies by switching part of its antigen-binding region for a replacement gene segment. Inter- and intraspecies variations occur in preference for hypermutation versus a somatic gene conversion-like mechanism. The B-cells in chickens employ a somatic gene conversion-like mechanisms until adolescence, at which time the cells move from the hindgut bursa of Fabricus to the spleen and somatic hypermutation predominates.
Whereas somatic hypermutation generates single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), a somatic gene conversion-like mechanisms diversify antibodies by switching part of its antigen-binding region for a replacement gene segment. Inter- and intraspecies variations occur in preference for hypermutation versus a somatic gene conversion-like mechanism. The B-cells in chickens employ a somatic gene conversion-like mechanisms until adolescence, at which time the cells move from the hindgut bursa of Fabricus to the spleen and somatic hypermutation predominates.
Labels: gene conversion, single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP, somatic hypermutation