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Related Concept Videos

Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Genetic Screens02:46

Genetic Screens

Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing  genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Genetic Material01:20

Genetic Material

Within the human body, a complex and detailed system of trillions of cells works in unison to sustain life. Each cell houses a nucleus, which contains 46 chromosomes divided into 23 pairs. Chromosomes are highly coiled structures made of the genetic material DNA. These chromosomes are essential carriers of genetic information, with half inherited from the mother through her egg and the other half from the father's sperm, combining to create the unique genetic makeup of an individual.
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).Mechanisms of Genetic VariationThe original sources of genetic variation are mutations,...

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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Informed Generation: physical origin and biological evolution of genetic codescript interpreters.

Peter R Wills1

  • 1Department of Physics, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. p.wills@auckland.ac.nz

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|January 29, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Biological systems evolve through

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Systems biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genomic information is traditionally viewed as a computational codescript.
  • Execution of genetic codes requires a prepared cellular environment.
  • The evolutionary generation of interpreting systems remains an open question.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary processes generating biological systems capable of interpreting genetic information.
  • To introduce and define the principle of Informed Generation.
  • To distinguish Informed Generation from Natural Selection.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual framework development.
  • Analysis of the principle of Informed Generation.
  • Case study: stepwise evolution of genetic coding and the gene-replicase-translatase (GRT) system.

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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
04:52

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Published on: February 3, 2023

Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat
06:03

Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat

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Main Results:

  • Informed Generation necessitates self-organizing processes for phenotype generation from genotype.
  • Prior existence of components is crucial for genetic information to function as a codescript.
  • Informed Generation drives irreversible transitions in biological systems, leading to specific, contingent states.

Conclusions:

  • Informed Generation is a general evolutionary self-organization process in biology.
  • This principle explains the emergence of biological specificity.
  • Traces of Informed Generation may be observable in intracellular and ecological network structures.