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Modifiers of mutation rate: Evolutionary optimum with complete selfing.

K E Holsinger1, M W Feldman

  • 1Department of Botany, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|November 1, 1983
PubMed
Summary

Natural selection typically favors lower mutation rates in random mating populations. However, under selfing conditions, mathematical models show an optimal mutation rate can be favored, with selection acting to increase or decrease mutation depending on the rate.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary genetics
  • Population genetics

Background:

  • Natural selection generally favors genotypes that minimize mutation rates in large, randomly mating populations.
  • Previous assumptions suggested a universal drive towards reduced mutation rates under constant environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of different mating systems on the evolution of mutation rates.
  • To determine if natural selection can favor an optimal mutation rate under specific population structures.

Main Methods:

  • Mathematical modeling of selection at a neutral modifier locus.
  • Analysis of infinite populations under conditions of random mating versus complete selfing.
  • Inclusion of unidirectional and reversible mutation models with fitness overdominance.

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Main Results:

  • Confirmed that natural selection favors genotypes minimizing mutation rates in random mating populations, irrespective of the selection regime.
  • Demonstrated that under complete selfing, specific conditions (nondegenerate overdominance) can lead to an optimal mutation rate.
  • Showed that selection can favor increased or decreased mutation rates relative to this optimum, depending on the current rate.

Conclusions:

  • The evolution of mutation rates is influenced by the population's mating system.
  • An analytical model for an infinite population in a constant environment has, for the first time, produced evidence for an optimal mutation rate under selfing.
  • These findings challenge the universal assumption of selection solely favoring mutation rate minimization.