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Genetic Code Error Minimization as a Non-Adaptive But Beneficial Trait.

Steven E Massey1

  • 1Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR, 00931, USA. stevenemassey@gmail.com.

Journal of Molecular Evolution
|January 4, 2019
PubMed
Summary

The term "neutral" is appropriate for non-adaptive error minimization in genetic code expansion. This highlights that beneficial traits can arise as side-products, not solely through direct selection.

Keywords:
AsymmetryEmergenceError minimizationNeutralSpandrel

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular evolution
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The term "neutral" is debated when describing error minimization as a side-product of genetic code expansion.
  • Genetic code expansion involves adding amino acids to similar codons, potentially leading to error minimization.
  • Di Giulio (2018) questioned the use of "neutral" in this context.

Discussion:

  • This letter argues that "neutral" is appropriate because error minimization in this scenario is non-adaptive.
  • Non-adaptive processes are impervious to direct selection, justifying the term "neutral".
  • Error minimization is a form of mutational robustness, often considered beneficial.

Key Insights:

  • Error minimization arising as a side-product of genetic code expansion can be accurately described as neutral.
  • Neutral evolution does not imply a lack of benefit, but rather a lack of direct selective pressure.
  • Beneficial traits do not always originate from direct adaptation; they can be by-products of other processes.

Outlook:

  • This perspective broadens the understanding of evolutionary mechanisms beyond direct adaptation.
  • Further research can explore other instances of non-adaptive beneficial traits in molecular evolution.
  • Clarifying terminology in evolutionary processes is crucial for accurate scientific communication.