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An Alternative Molecular View of Evolution: How DNA was Altered over Geological Time.
1Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 5, 2020
Summary
A new "preassembly" mechanism supplements neo-Darwinian evolution by explaining complex traits. It involves silent gene collection followed by epigenetic release and natural selection, addressing evolutionary riddles.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Neo-Darwinian theory struggles to explain rapid evolutionary changes and complex traits.
- Phenomena like human intelligence, cat domestication, the Cambrian explosion, and convergent evolution challenge conventional evolutionary models.
Discussion:
- A proposed "preassembly" mechanism suggests genes and precursors are collected in non-coding DNA over long periods.
- Epigenetic release, triggered by environmental cues, then allows for natural selection of preassembled traits.
- This contrasts with neo-Darwinism, where selection acts on incremental mutations.
Key Insights:
- Preassembly offers an alternative explanation for the origin of complex traits that appear rapidly in the fossil record.
- It provides a framework for understanding seemingly inexplicable evolutionary leaps, such as the Cambrian explosion.
- The mechanism highlights the potential role of non-coding DNA and epigenetics in macroevolutionary processes.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to empirically validate the preassembly mechanism.
- This model may necessitate revisions to our understanding of evolutionary tempo and mode.
- Investigating preassembly could unlock new insights into genetic innovation and species diversification.
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