Theories for analyzing polymorphism data in duplicated genes

Abstract

A simple model for the evolutionary process of a pair of duplicated genes under concerted evolution is developed. The model considers mutation, recombination and gene conversion between two genes in a finite population. Based on diffusion theory, the expected amount of DNA variation within and between two genes are obtained. To investigate the pattern of DNA polymorphism, a coalescent tool to simulate patterns of polymorphism is developed. The theoretical results are well in agreement with polymorphism data in duplicated genes. The effect of selection on the pattern of polymorphism is also considered.