Mutation, mutation, mutation

One of the most important mechanisms for evolution is mutations in gene sequences in DNA. An interesting question to ask is: do mutation rates evolve? The short answer is yes, mutation rates can and do evolve. This is due to the susceptibility of a gene to mutation. Previous mutations of a gene can cause that gene to be more likely to mutate, and thus the process continues down the line. In some cases this could be a good thing, and the result of an adaptation. In an ever-changing environment, a high rate of mutation could be favorable or beneficial. The inverse is also true. In a mostly stagnant environment, a low rate of mutation would be favorable. It is interesting to think that mutations themselves can evolve and cause evolution!

Comments

  1. Madison NSeptember 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM

    So why do you think that mutation is one of the most important mechanisms for evolution? Not super relevant to the topic, but you led with it and the concept caught my eye. Even if you don't have an answer now, you should keep it about your head - I think we'll touch on it before the semester is over, and you might discover some interesting things.

    But, back to the topic. You mention that "previous mutations of a gene can cause that gene to be more likely to mutate". What kind of previous mutations do you mean? Any kind? Or is there a specific type of mutation that might increase future mutation rate? Can that happen at any time in an organism's life, or will such a "previous mutation" have more impact at one life stage than another?

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  2. Victoria GaaDecember 13, 2021 at 9:25 AM

    You brought up an interesting point about certain genes being more susceptible to mutation and those genes being passed down affecting the mutation rate. I hadn't thought of that!

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