Rates and genomic consequences of spontaneous mutational events in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: Because spontaneous mutation is the source of all genetic diversity, measuring mutation rates can reveal how natural selection drives patterns of variation within and between species. We sequenced eight genomes produced by a mutation-accumulation experiment in Drosophila melanogaster. Our analysis reveals that point mutation and small indel rates vary significantly between the two different genetic backgrounds examined. We also find evidence that ∼2% of mutational events affect multiple closely spaced nucleotides. Unlike previous similar experiments, we were able to estimate genome-wide rates of large deletions and tandem duplications. These results suggest that, at least in inbred lines like those examined here, mutational pressures may result in net growth rather than contraction of the

SUBMITTER: Schrider DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3730921 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature