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Deleterious mutations and the evolution of sex
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posted on 2023-06-07, 20:53 authored by Peter D Keightley, Adam Eyre-WalkerAdam Eyre-WalkerIt has been suggested that sexual reproduction is maintained because it reduces the load imposed by recurrent deleterious mutations. If rates of deleterious mutation per diploid genome per generation (U) exceed 1, and mutations interact synergistically, then sexuals can overcome their inherent twofold disadvantage. We have tested this hypothesis by estimating genomic point mutation rates for protein-coding genes in a range of animal taxa. We find a positive linear relationship between U and generation time. In species with short generation times, U is predicted to be far below 1, suggesting that sex is not maintained by its capacity to purge the genome of deleterious mutations.
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Publication status
- Published
Journal
ScienceISSN
0036-8075Publisher
ScienceExternal DOI
Volume
290Page range
331-333ISBN
0036-8075Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Notes
The first evidence against one of the leading theories for the evolution of sex.Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-02-06Usage metrics
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