The rate and potential relevance of new mutations in a colonizing plant lineage.

ABSTRACT: By following the evolution of populations that are initially genetically homogeneous, much can be learned about core biological principles. For example, it allows for detailed studies of the rate of emergence of de novo mutations and their change in frequency due to drift and selection. Unfortunately, in multicellular organisms with generation times of months or years, it is difficult to set up and carry out such experiments over many generations. An alternative is provided by "natural evolution experiments" that started from colonizations or invasions of new habitats by selfing lineages. With limited or missing gene flow from other lineages, new mutations and their effects can be easily detected. North America has been colonized in historic times by the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and alt

SUBMITTER: Exposito-Alonso M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5825158 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature