Tandem gene arrays, plastic chromosomal organizations.

This short article presents an overview of tandem gene arrays (TGAs) in hemiascomycete yeasts. In silico and in vivo analyses are combined to address structural, functional and evolutionary aspects of these particular chromosomal structures. Genomic instability of TGAs is discussed. We conclude that TGAs are generally dynamic regions of the genome in that they are the seats of chromosomal rearrangement events. In addition, they are often breeding grounds of new genes for a rapid adaptation of cells to demands of the environment.