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On the molecular evolutionary clock.
1Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94306.
Journal of Molecular Evolution
|January 1, 1987
Summary
This study revisits molecular evolutionary clocks, suggesting protein clocks may be optimal. It also proposes that evolutionary neutrality is less common than believed, with systems potentially exhibiting quasi-clockwise behavior.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular evolution
- Systems biology
Background:
- The molecular evolutionary clock is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology.
- Understanding the factors influencing the accuracy and reliability of molecular clocks is crucial.
- The extent of evolutionary neutrality remains a subject of debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the conceptual framework and origin of the molecular evolutionary clock.
- To evaluate and recommend optimal molecular clocks for evolutionary studies.
- To reassess the concept of neutrality in evolution and its implications.
- To explore the potential for quasi-clockwise evolutionary behavior in complex systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on molecular evolutionary clocks.
- Analysis of recent data concerning protein evolution and mutation neutrality.
- Theoretical considerations on the behavior of complex interacting systems.
Main Results:
- A conditional recommendation is made for a return to protein clocks.
- Evidence suggests that evolutionary neutrality (in terms of nonfunctionality, equifunctionality, and fixation of mutations) may be less extensive than commonly assumed.
- Complex, bounded systems may exhibit an intrinsic trend towards quasi-clockwise evolutionary behavior.
Conclusions:
- Protein clocks are conditionally recommended for molecular evolution studies.
- The scope of evolutionary neutrality is likely narrower than previously thought.
- Complex systems may possess inherent properties leading to predictable evolutionary patterns.