Gene amplification

Article By:

Traut, Walther Institut für Biologie, Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.

Cox, Michael M. Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

Last reviewed:February 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.284550

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• Gene amplification, published June 2014:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

The process by which a cell increases the copy number of a particular gene to a greater extent than it increases the copy number of genes composing the remainder of the genome (all the genes that make up the genetic machinery of an organism). Gene amplification occurs when the number of copies of a specific gene sequence is disproportionately increased in the parent genome (Fig. 1). Therefore, the process of gene amplification is distinguished from the precise doubling of the genome preparatory to cell division, as well as being distinguished from endoreduplication, which leads to polyploidy (the presence of three or more chromosome sets in a cell). In general, gene amplification is a widespread biological phenomenon. It has been detected in vertebrates, insects, plants, ciliates, fungi, and bacteria. In addition, cancer, drug resistance, and insecticide resistance are often associated with gene amplification. See also: Cell (biology); Cell division; Gene; Genetics; Polyploidy

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