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| This is a comprehensive bibliography (under construction) of primary and secondary sources on the neutral theory of molecular evolution. It currently covers the period 1973-2001. |
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Author :
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Zuckerkandl, E.
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Year :
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1992
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Title :
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Revisiting Junk DNA
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Journal :
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Journal of Molecular Evolution
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Volume :
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34
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Issue :
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3
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Pages :
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259-271
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Date :
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Mar
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Short Title :
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Revisiting Junk DNA
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Alternate Journal :
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J. Mol. Evol.
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Custom 2 :
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ISI:A1992HF42400009
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Abstract :
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The distribution of functions within genomes of higher organisms relative to processes that lead to the spread of mutations in populations is examined in its general outlines. A number of points are enumerated that collectively put in question the concept of junk DNA: the plausible compatibility of DNA function with rapid substitution rates; the likelihood of superimposed functions along much of eukaryotic DNA; the potential for a merely conditional functionality in sequence repeats; the apparent adoption of macromolecular waste as a strategy for maintaining a function without selective grooming of individual sequence repeats that carry out the function; the likely requirement that any DNA sequence must be "polite" vis- a-vis (compatible with) functional sequences in its genomic environment; the existence in germ-cell lineages of selective constraints that are not apparent in populations of individuals; and the fact that DNA tectonics - the appearance and disappearance of genomic DNA - are not incompatible with function. It is pointed out that the inverse correlation between functional constraints and rates of substitution cannot be claimed to be a pillar of the neutral theory, because it is also predicted from a selectionist view-point. The dispensability of functional structures is brought into relation with the concept of reproductive sufficiency - the survivability of genotypes in the absence of fitter alleles.
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Notes :
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Times Cited: 23
HF424
J MOL EVOL
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| | -- contributed by John Beatty, March 29, 2002 |
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