On the origins of genetic variants

FEBS Letters

Wintersberger, Ulrike¹ 

[1] Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Tumorbiology and Cancer Research, University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Wien, Austria

关键词: DNA replication fidelity;    Fluctuation assay;    Mutation;    Gene conversion;    Selection;    Evolution;   

DOI  :  10.1016/0014-5793(91)80796-6

学科分类：生物化学/生物物理

来源: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

【 摘 要 】

Two contrasting mechanisms responsible for the creation of genetic variants are described: one is the manifestation of the limited accuracy of the cellular machinery for DNA replication, the other results from the ability of cells to repair damaged DNA. Replication-dependent variants and those caused by episodical DNA damage enhance the probability that a small fraction of a cell population may survive a sudden (physical or biological) change of environmental conditions. Replication-independent variants arise during persistent but not immediately lethal stress (e.g. starvation) of a non-dividing population. The variants observed under these conditions are of selective advantage because they are able to cope with the particular stress situation. The molecular basis of their creation is a matter of intensive debate.

【 授权许可】

Unknown