Epigenetics, revisited (Introduction)

by dhw, Monday, September 19, 2011, 18:08 (4793 days ago) @ David Turell

David has drawn our attention to an important study of epigenetic mechanisms in plants:-http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110916152401.htm-I'm not sure whether I should get wildly excited over this or not. Maybe I've misunderstood the implications, so perhaps you can help me. Here is the crux of the matter:-This meant that not only was the epigenome of the plants morphing rapidly despite the absence of any strong environmental pressure, but that these changes could have a powerful influence on the plants' form and function.-Ecker said the results of the study provide some of the first evidence that the epigenetic code can be rewritten quickly and to dramatic effect. "This means that genes are not destiny," he said. "If we are anything like these plants, our epigenome may also undergo relatively rapid spontaneous change that could have a powerful influence on our biological traits."-The study seems to suggest that mutations can take place in plants, and possibly in the animal kingdom as well, independently of environmental pressures. Previously, we've talked of epigenetic changes in terms of adaptation ... i.e. the species remains basically the same. But if the changes are spontaneous and can change both form and function, doesn't this fit in perfectly well with Darwin's concept of innovation caused by mutations (of course he didn't know about DNA or epigenetics)? It's true that if these changes can be relatively quick and dramatic, they would knock his gradualism on the head, but I have never understood why he regarded gradualism as so central to the theory anyway. Are the Scripps researchers on the way to solving the innovation problem?