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Exaptation at the molecular genetic level.

Jürgen Brosius1,2

  • 1Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Strasse 56, D-48149, Münster, Germany. RNA.world@uni-muenster.de.

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Summary

Exaptation describes evolutionary traits that serve new purposes, differing from adaptations. This concept, applied to molecular genetics, highlights the evolutionary potential of neutral DNA, including repetitive elements.

Keywords:
adaptationaptationcooptationde novo genesexaptationneofunctionalizationnon-protein coding RNAnovel functional gene modulesrecruitmentretrogenessubfunctionalization

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular genetics

Background:

  • The concept of exaptation, where traits evolve for one purpose and are later coopted for another, predates Darwin.
  • S.J. Gould and E.S. Vrba formalized exaptation as a distinct evolutionary mode separate from adaptation.
  • Exaptations can arise from nonaptations, which are characters evolving neutrally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and clarify the distinction between adaptations and exaptations.
  • To illustrate the concept of exaptation with examples.
  • To discuss the application and implications of exaptation at the molecular genetic level.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual review and synthesis of evolutionary theory.
  • Analysis of existing biological examples illustrating adaptation and exaptation.
  • Exploration of molecular genetic evidence for exaptation, including repetitive DNA and transposed elements.

Main Results:

  • Adaptations are traits shaped by selection for their current function, while exaptations enhance fitness in their current role but were not originally selected for it.
  • Repetitive DNA and transposed elements, once termed 'junk DNA,' demonstrate significant potential for genome evolution via exaptation.
  • The distinction between adaptation and exaptation can be challenging due to biological continua and the rarity of clear definitional borders.

Conclusions:

  • Exaptation is a crucial evolutionary mechanism, particularly evident in molecular genetics and the evolution of genomes.
  • Understanding exaptation provides insight into the origin and function of diverse biological traits.
  • The study underscores the complexity of evolutionary processes and the fluid nature of biological definitions.