Genetic Switches

Recent discoveries have shown that much of evolution takes place not by the creation of new genes but by changing the way existing genes are used. Genetic switches are keys that enable old genes to be used in new ways.

How a Genetic Switch Works

Genes have regions that code for proteins. Other regions act like switches to turn genes on and off. Multiple switches allow flexible control of genes.

Animation: How regulatory switches work

Dr. David Kingsley