Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are able to proliferate in genomes via different self-copying mechanisms. Theory predicts that sexual reproduction can both facilitate and restrain TE accumulation by respectively providing TEs with a means of spreading to all individuals in a population and facilitating TE load reduction via purifying selection. By quantifying genomic TE loads over time in experimental sexual and asexual yeast populations, we provide direct evidence that asexual reproduction drives a reduction of genomic TE loads. We show, using simulations, that this reduction occurs via evolution of TE activity, most likely via increased excision rates. Our study thus demonstrates that sexual reproduction is a major driver of TE loads and at the root of the success of TEs.
One Sentence Summary Sexual reproduction is at the root of the success of parasitic TEs