Definition of Gene Conversion



Gene conversion is a phenomenon which occurs during the genetic recombination and in DNA repair when one allele is converted to the other allele which is present on the homologous chromosome. The chromosome whose part is being converted is the acceptor whereas the other is known as the donor.

 


This gene conversion can take place between the sister chromatids, homologous chromosomes and between the sequences that are present either on the same chromatid or different chromosomes. It occurs during the process of meiosis. It is an important event in evolution. The gene conversion regions are generally small in the case of mammalian cells.

 

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