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Self-Organization of the Biological Evolution.

Werner Arber1

  • 1Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland. werner.arber@unibas.ch.

Genes
|October 31, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacteria possess "evolution genes" that control genetic variation frequency. These genes, rarely expressed and moderated by other products, ensure genetic stability while enabling occasional beneficial mutations for bacterial evolution.

Keywords:
E. coli bacteriaduality of the genomeevolution genesgenetic variantsgenetically modified organisms (GMOs)in vivo and in vitro horizontal gene transfermobile genetic elementsnatural selectionpermanent creationpoint mutantsrestriction and modificationrestriction endonucleasestree of evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular Genetics

Background:

  • Nonpathogenic *Escherichia coli* strains and their phages were used to study bacterial genetic variation.
  • Bacterial genomes exhibit mechanisms to maintain genetic stability while allowing for evolutionary adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic basis and regulation of variant production in *E. coli*.
  • To identify and characterize genes involved in controlling the frequency of genetic variation.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental analysis of *Escherichia coli* strains and their associated phages.
  • Observation and characterization of genetic variant production and frequency modulation.

Main Results:

  • Bacteria rarely produce genetic variants due to infrequent expression of relevant genes and moderation by other gene products.
  • Genes controlling variant production and frequency are termed "evolution genes", with products not essential for daily bacterial life.
  • The bacterial genome demonstrates a dual function, balancing stability with the capacity for evolution.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial genomes possess a duality, regulating genetic variation through specialized "evolution genes".
  • These evolutionary mechanisms are crucial for adaptation and have yielded tools like restriction endonucleases for molecular genetics research.