Subfunctionalization
Subfunctionalization is a neutral mutation process in which each paralog retains a subset of its original ancestral function. The figure illustrates that the ancestral gene (orange & blue) is capable of both functions before gene duplication. After gene duplication the functional capabilities are divided amongst the gene copies. After this divergence each paralog is capable of independently performing a distinct ancestral function. Subfunctionalization was proposed by Stoltzfus (1999) [1] and Force et al. (1999) [2] as one of the possible outcomes of functional divergence that occurs after a gene duplication event, in which pairs of genes that originate from duplication, or paralogs, take on separate functions. [3] [4] [5] Subfunctionalization is a neutral mutation process; meaning that no new adaptations are formed. [6] [7] During the process of gene duplication paralogs simply undergo a division of labor by retaining different parts (subfunctions) of their original an...