The origin of mutants
Abstract
Nucleic acids are replicated with conspicuous fidelity. Infrequently, however, they undergo changes in sequence, and this process of change (mutation) generates the variability that allows evolution. As the result of studies of bacterial variation, it is now widely believed that mutations arise continuously and without any consideration for their utility. In this paper, we briefly review the source of this idea and then describe some experiments suggesting that cells may have mechanisms for choosing which mutations will occur.
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A big role in phenotypic delay may be played by chromosome segregation in quickly dividing cells.
“Recently there has been evidence that a big role in phenotypic delay may be played by chromosome segregation in quickly dividing cells [21,58].”
From Efficient, robust, and versatile fluctuation data analysis using MLE MUtation Rate calculator (mlemur) (2023) · cites this paper as [21]
Simulations suggest that effective polyploidy combined with recessive mutation does not influence mutation rate estimation because increased chance of mutation caused by polyploidy cancels out with the phenotypic delay caused by incomplete chromosome segregation.
“Simulations performed in the same study suggest that effective polyploidy combined with recessive mutation does not influence mutation rate estimation simply because increased chance of mutation caused by polyploidy cancels out with the phenotypic delay caused by incomplete chromosome segregation [21].”
From Efficient, robust, and versatile fluctuation data analysis using MLE MUtation Rate calculator (mlemur) (2023) · cites this paper as [21]
A phenotypic lag is widespread with mutations causing antibiotic resistance, yet rarely accounted for.
“A phenotypic lag (the phenomenon of delayed expression of a scorable phenotype post mutation due to the necessity to accumulate mutant protein product at sufficient level) is also widespread with mutations causing antibiotic resistance, yet rarely accounted for (Figure 1D) [20,21].”
From Efficient, robust, and versatile fluctuation data analysis using MLE MUtation Rate calculator (mlemur) (2023) · cites this paper as [21]
Rif R phenotypic lag in E. coli has been estimated to be 4-5 generations.
“Rif R phenotypic lag of in E. coli has been estimated to be 4-5 generations [21].”
From Efficient, robust, and versatile fluctuation data analysis using MLE MUtation Rate calculator (mlemur) (2023) · cites this paper as [21]
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- Authors
- Cairns, J., Overbaugh, J., & Miller, S.
- Affiliations
- Harvard University (US)
- Venue
- Nature
- Published
- 1988-09
- Volume
- 335
- Issue
- 6186
- Pages
- 142-145
- ISSN
- 0028-0836 (ISSN-L)
- 1476-4687
- OpenAlex
- W2043748488
- Cited by
- 1,025
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 30 · 2017: 19 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 29 · 2013: 23 · 2012: 29
- FWCI
- 25.69
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Nature (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History and Philosophy of Science › Philosophy and History of Science
- Keywords
- genetic mutations, bacterial variation, mutation rate, genetic variation, evolution
- MeSH terms
- Arabinose, Escherichia coli, Biological Evolution, Genes, Bacterial, Lactose, Models, Genetic, Mutation, Operon, Selection, Genetic, Genetic Variation
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