Involvement of circular DNA in macroevolution of animals and fungi

Genes are placed on chromosomes like words in a book. The order of genes is specific and essential for species in the animal, plant and fungal kingdoms. However, how genes change position on chromosomes and contribute to evolution of novel species is less well understood. I suggest that change in gene order can take place when a segment of a chromosome forms a circle that jumps into new position on another chromosome. I hope to find support for this hypothesis by mapping evolutionary events in animals where chromosome circles have led to major rearrangements of gene order. I will provide further evidence from experiments where cell are allowed to evolve novel chromosomes from large chromosome circles. If successful, my project will be fundamental for the understanding of speciation and provide the basis for extensive studies on mechanisms that promote evolution through chromosome circles.