Identification and Characterization of Base-Substitution Mutations in the Macronuclear Genome of the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila.

ABSTRACT: Polyploidy can provide adaptive advantages and drive evolution. Amitotic division of the polyploid macronucleus (MAC) in ciliates acts as a nonsexual genetic mechanism to enhance adaptation to stress conditions and thus provides a unique model to investigate the evolutionary role of polyploidy. Mutation is the primary source of the variation responsible for evolution and adaptation; however, to date, de novo mutations that occur in ciliate MAC genomes during these processes have not been characterized and their biological impacts are undefined. Here, we carried out long-term evolution experiments to directly explore de novo MAC mutations and their molecular features in the model ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila. A simple but effective method was established to detect base-substitution muta

SUBMITTER: Wang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7788487 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature