Evolution: bringing molecules into the fold

Article Abstract:

Four major questions are addressed in this review article to deal with ignorance about organic evolution and what should be done in the future. Addressed are the relationship of genotype and phenotype, the temporal framework of evolution and the molecular clocks that show history of life, though seriously at odds with the fossil record, data from molecular biology and insights into mechanisms of macroevolution, and constructing phylogenies, which is central to the evolutionary enterprise, but with rival schemes often contradicting one another. The fundamental question is perhaps explaining the great diversity of life vs the great similarity in molecular architecture.

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A fetching model organism

Article Abstract:

Organisms become models when they support sustainable opportunities with uncompromising experimental rigor and ease of use. The ability to manipulate select species in a controlled laboratory setting has driven the understanding of basic biology and has trained several generations of scientists and the power and efficiency of studying model organisms, comes at a cost.

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Evidence for the adaptive evolution of mutation rates

Article Abstract:

Adaptive evolution of mutation rates and new evidence for it are discussed in this minireview. It may be that genetic systems that tune mutation rates and spectra in adaptive ways have emerged. The mechanisms do not demand special foresight but must have been selected for repeatedly in the past for being able to bring genetic change.

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