When cleaning facilitates cluttering-genome in ciliates

Many organisms remove DNA from their genomes during development. This has foremost been character-ized as a means of defending ge-nomes against mobile elements. However, genome editing actually hides such elements from purify-ing selection, with the survivors evolving approximately neutrally, 'cluttering' the germline genome, enabling it to enlarge over time.

Automated summary

Many organisms remove DNA from their genomes during development as a defense against mobile elements. However, genome editing actually conceals these elements, allowing survival and evolution in a neutral manner, leading to an enlargement of the germline genome over time.