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Abstract
Polyploidization, the addition of a complete set of chromosomes to the genome, represents
one of the most dramatic mutations known to occur. Nevertheless, polyploidy is well
tolerated in many groups of eukaryotes. Indeed, the majority of flowering plants and
vertebrates have descended from polyploid ancestors. This Review examines the short-term
effects of polyploidization on cell size, body size, genomic stability, and gene expression
and the long-term effects on rates of evolution.