A characterisation of gene duplicability: its determining factors and impact on duplicate evolution

Abstract

Duplication, either through whole genome duplication or small-scale duplication, is a critical process in evolution. The duplication of genetic material provides ample opportunity for adaptation and innovation through the creation of new genes. However, not all genes are capable of successful duplication. This property of genes is referred to as gene duplicability and varies considerably across the genome. The work described in this thesis presents a more cohesive picture of duplicability and its contributions to gene duplication outcomes than has previously been available.