Abstract
While the evolutionary mechanisms driving eukaryote genome size evolution are still debated, repeated element content appears to be crucial. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny and identified repeats in the genome of 26 Drosophila exhibiting a twofold variation in genome size. The content in transposable elements (TEs) is highly correlated to genome size evolution among these closely related species. We detected a strong phylogenetic signal on the evolution of both genome size and TE content, and a genome contraction in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup.
Highlights
One striking outcome of genome evolution is illustrated by the dramatic 200 000fold variation in genome size across eukaryotes
The genomic content of repeats ranged from 4.65% in D. busckii to 30.80% in D. suzukii
Global transposable elements (TEs) content is significantly correlated with the genome size (Spearman’s r 1⁄4 0.43, p 1⁄4 0.04)
Summary
One striking outcome of genome evolution is illustrated by the dramatic 200 000fold variation in genome size across eukaryotes. Eukaryote genome size reflects the genomic content in repeated sequences, especially in transposable elements (TEs, [1,2]). We analysed the evolution of genome size and genomic TE content in 26 Drosophila, using a phylogenetic framework.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
