Evolution: How do genes create complexity (Introduction)

by David Turell , Thursday, January 06, 2011, 15:10 (5069 days ago) @ David Turell


> > My question is: where the heck did these new creatures spring from?
> 
> Novel forms that became the 37 animal phyla appeared in the Cambrian Explosion appeared by that same mechansim, whatever it is.-A new study of how genes derive complex organisms does not find the mechanisms:-The paper concludes that:
Gene duplication and subsequent evolutionary divergence certainly adds to the size of the genome and in large measure to its diversity and versatility. However, in all of the examples given above, known evolutionary mechanisms were markedly constrained in their ability to innovate and to create any novel information. This natural limit to biological change can be attributed mostly to the power of purifying selection, which, despite being relaxed in duplicates, is nonetheless ever-present. 
the various postduplication mechanisms entailing random mutations and recombinations considered were observed to tweak, tinker, copy, cut, divide, and shuffle existing genetic information around, but fell short of generating genuinely distinct and entirely novel functionality.
The author concludes his review by offering the following advice:
Gradual natural selection is no doubt important in biological adaptation and for ensuring the robustness of the genome in the face of constantly changing environmental pressures. However, its potential for innovation is greatly inadequate as far as explaining the origination of the distinct exonic sequences that contribute to the complexity of the organism and diversity of life. Any alternative/revision to Neo-Darwinism has to consider the holistic nature and organization of information encoded in genes, which specify the interdependent and complex biochemical motifs that allow protein molecules to fold properly and function effectively.- 
Research Article
Is gene duplication a viable explanation for the origination of biological information and complexity?
Joseph Esfandiar Hannon Bozorgmehr
Article first published online: 22 DEC 2010
DOI: 10.1002/cplx.20365
Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Complexity
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How to Cite
Bozorgmehr, J. E. H. , Is gene duplication a viable explanation for the origination of biological information and complexity?. Complexity, n/a. doi: 10.1002/cplx.20365
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39 Princedom Street, Manchester M9 4GQ, United Kingdom
Email: Joseph Esfandiar Hannon Bozorgmehr (bozorgmehr@hotmail.co.uk) 
*Correspondence: Joseph Esfandiar Hannon Bozorgmehr, 39 Princedom Street, Manchester M9 4GQ, United Kingdom
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