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Genetic variation in adaptability and pleiotropy in budding yeast.
Elizabeth R Jerison1,2,3, Sergey Kryazhimskiy4, James Kameron Mitchell2
1Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.
Elife
|August 23, 2017
Summary
Genetic variation in adaptability and pleiotropy is heritable in yeast. Initial genotype influences adaptability and the genetic basis of future evolution, often declining with increased initial fitness.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Evolution favors adaptable organisms if genetic variation for adaptability exists.
- Understanding the genetic basis of adaptability is crucial for predicting evolutionary trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify genetic variation in adaptability among yeast offspring.
- To analyze the heritability, predictability, and genetic basis of adaptability.
- To investigate the role of initial genotype and fitness in determining adaptability and pleiotropy.
Main Methods:
- Quantified adaptability as the average rate of adaptation in a specific environment.
- Analyzed 230 yeast offspring from a cross between diverged strains.
- Investigated heritability, predictability, genetic basis, and QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) of adaptability.
Main Results:
- Initial genotype significantly affects adaptability and the genetic basis of future evolution.
- Adaptability generally declines with increasing initial fitness.
- Initial genotype influences pleiotropic consequences of adaptation for fitness in different environments.
Conclusions:
- Adaptability and pleiotropy are complex traits with substantial heritable variation.
- Naturally occurring genetic variation provides the basis for adaptive evolution.
- Initial fitness and specific QTLs play key roles in shaping adaptability and pleiotropy.
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