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Mutators in space: the dynamics of high-mutability clones in a two-patch model
1Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QT, United Kingdom. emmatravis@cantab.net
Genetics
|May 29, 2004
Summary
High mutation rate bacteria (mutators) may aid adaptation in changing environments. Spatiotemporal variability and dispersal influence mutator dynamics, with dispersal increasing mutator density at high environmental change rates.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbial Ecology
- Theoretical Ecology
Background:
- High-mutability rate clones (mutators) are increasingly observed across bacterial species.
- While generally deleterious in constant environments, mutators may be crucial for adaptation in fluctuating conditions.
- Previous theoretical models primarily addressed temporal environmental changes, neglecting spatial variation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of spatiotemporal environmental variability and dispersal on bacterial mutator dynamics.
- To develop a two-patch model incorporating fluctuating environmental conditions and dispersal between patches.
Main Methods:
- Development of a two-patch mathematical model.
- Simulation of environmental conditions fluctuating between two states in each patch.
- Analysis of mutator density in response to varying rates and phase angles of environmental fluctuation and dispersal.
Main Results:
- At low to intermediate fluctuation rates, increased dispersal decreased mutator density.
- At high rates of environmental change, dispersal led to an increase in mutator density.
- These trends were amplified as the phase angle between patches approached 180 degrees.
Conclusions:
- Spatiotemporal environmental variability and dispersal significantly impact bacterial mutator dynamics.
- Dispersal can either suppress or promote mutator populations depending on the rate of environmental change.
- Further empirical and theoretical research is needed to fully understand these complex interactions.