Nonequilibrium model for estimating parameters of deleterious mutations.
Deleterious mutations are of extreme evolutionary importance because, even though they are eliminated by natural selection, their continuous pressure creates a pool of variability in natural populations. They are of potential relevance for the existence of several features in evolution, such as sexual reproduction, and pose a risk to small asexual populations. Despite their extreme importance, the deleterious mutation rate and the effects of each mutation on fitness are poorly known quantities. Here we analyze a simple model that can be applied to simple experiments, in microorganisms, aiming at the quantification of these values.
Gordo
Isabel
I
Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, Rua Quinta Grande, Oeiras, Portugal. igordo@gulbenkian.pt
Dionisio
Francisco
F
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003198:Computer Simulation; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D005828:Genetics, Population / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D016019:Survival Analysis