Quasispecies-like behavior observed in catalytic RNA populations evolving in a test tube.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During the RNA World, molecular populations were probably very small and highly susceptible to the force of strong random drift. In conjunction with Muller's Ratchet, this would have imposed difficulties for the preservation of the genetic information and the survival of the populations. Mechanisms that allowed these nascent populations to overcome this problem must have been advantageous.

Results

Using continuous in vitro evolution experimentation with an increased mutation rate imposed by MnCl2, it was found that clonal 100-molecule populations of ribozymes clearly exhibit certain characteristics of a quasispecies. This is the first time this has been seen with a catalytic RNA. Extensive genotypic sampling from two replicate lineages was gathered and phylogeneti

SUBMITTER: Diaz Arenas C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2850355 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature