What does "Subfunctionalization" mean?

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Subfunctionalization is a process that occurs after a gene is duplicated. When a gene makes a copy of itself, this can lead to different outcomes for the original and its copy. In subfunctionalization, both the original gene and its copy start to take on different roles or functions instead of one keeping the old function while the other develops a new one.

This happens because the two genes can share the workload of performing the same tasks or biological processes. Over time, each gene may become specialized in a part of the original function. This allows for more flexibility and can help an organism adapt to different environments or conditions.

Subfunctionalization is important for understanding how genes can change and evolve. It shows how duplicates can contribute to the complexity of life by taking on different roles while still maintaining a connection to their shared past.