Evolution-driving genes.
Genomic sequences provide evidence for a common origin of life and its evolution via selection of genetic variants created by mutation and recombination. Two classes of genes are known to accelerate mutation and/or recombination rates in bacterial populations: stress-inducible wild-type genes, usually part of the SOS regulon, and genes whose functional loss, or downregulation, increases the rate of genetic variability (mutator and/or hyper-rec mutants).
Radman
M
M
Faculté de médecine Necker-Enfants malades, Inserm E9916, université Paris-V, France. radman@necker.fr
Taddei
F
F
Matic
I
I
D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D009154:Mutation; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D012641:Selection, Genetic