DOCSLIB.ORG

Patterns of Genetic Diversity Are the Result Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Patterns of Genetic Diversity Are the Result Of Perceiving patterns in nature is a beginning to and seed dispersal, its mating system, and its natural understanding the basis of biological diversity, sensing range) can be used to establish a reasonable idea of its some order in what may otherwise seem chaotic or random spatial genetic pattern. Sometimes environmental spatial arrays. Spatial patterns in genetic diversity, also features are indicators of the spatial genetic patterns if a called ‘genetic structure’ or ‘spatial genetic structure,’ species is adapted to changes in these features. For often reflect biologically meaningful processes. example, a species that occurs at a range of elevations Recognizing these patterns, giving genes a ‘physical may show a gradient in genetic diversity that address,’ and understanding their basis can provide a corresponds with adaptations to various elevations. stronger scientific basis for conservation and restoration However, these natural processes may not all be consistent decisions by making use of biologically meaningful or pushing in the same direction. For example, a units. These patterns are the result of natural processes, population may be locally adapted to microclimate and the characteristics of the species, and historical events. moisture availability (which would suggest local genetic structure) but also have long-distance seed and pollen [ patterns of genetic dispersal (that would tend to mix up the genes with diversity are the result of other populations and undermine local adaptations). So natural processes, the direct genetic studies are needed for confirmation of the genetic structure. characteristics of the species, A traditional approach to describing spatial patterns in and historical events ] genetic diversity of plants is to sample individuals widely Spatial patterns reflect the natural genetic processes across the species’ range and present a picture of the (described in Volume 3) — migration, natural selection, overall genetic structure based on various kinds of data. and genetic drift. For example, if pollen and seeds are However, with further or more detailed studies, it is distributed widely for a particular species, one might common to discover that spatial genetic structure often expect little evidence of genetic structure within a local varies within a species — both over the range of the geographic area. Conversely, if the plant is capable of species and over time. The spatial scale at which the self-fertilization or has heavy seeds that tend to germinate genetic diversity is studied — over its entire range, in within short distances of the parents, one might expect relation to large-scale physical features such as to find more local or fine-scale patterns in genetic diversity. mountain ranges or drainages, or in a specific locale — In fact, in the absence of any direct genetic data, certain will affect the genetic pattern that we observe. For features of the plant species (such as its type of pollen example, in some areas of the species’ range there may National Forest Genetics Laboratory (NFGEL) Genetic Resources Conservation Program Pacific Southwest Research Station University of California USDA Forest Service One Shields Avenue 2480 Carson Road Davis, CA USA 95616 Placerville, CA USA 95667 http://www.grcp.ucdavis.edu http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/nfgel/ be strong selection pressures (for example, climate may be very limiting) resulting in fine-scale genetic structure; in other areas, the same species may show only weak spatial genetic structure (that is, genetic diversity seems randomly distributed) because of little spatial genetic patterns over time. Over local adaptation or countervailing the longer term (evolutionary time influences of gene flow. Similarly, scales), these influences are compounded different kinds of genetic data may and may be supplemented with yield different patterns (see Volumes 5 extreme events (such as glaciations or and 7 for further discussion on this continental drift) that severely reduce populations may be more equal in topic). These differing patterns are not the species (and its genetic diversity), their size and longevity, and exchange inconsistent messages — each is fragment its natural range and genetic material on a more equitable providing a part of the story about how disrupt gene flow, allow hybridizations level. Understanding genetic patterns the genetic diversity of the species has between formerly unconnected popula- at the regional level, and the underlying been influenced by the environment tions (or sometimes species), or shift reasons for them, is important for and its own biological characteristics effective conservation and restoration over time. [ recognizing genetic decisions. For example, the loss of a Spatial patterns also may change over patterns can population through habitat conversion time — for example, in response to lead to better can have a range of impacts for the changes in direction or intensity of conservation and species on a regional level, depending natural processes. Over the short-term restoration decisions ] on the genetic interactions among (generations), the spatial genetic populations. Similarly, this information pattern exhibited by the adult plants assists decisions about whether gene genetic diversity dramatically if only a may differ substantially from that seen flow corridors (re-establishing connec- small fraction is adapted to the in the seed produced in any particular tions between plant populations) are emerging environmental conditions. year, in the resulting seedlings, and in advised, the importance of conserving Thus, current patterns of genetic later life stages. Genetic drift and suitable but currently unoccupied diversity may reflect historic conditions natural selection continue to shape the habitat, and whether the better conser- or events, even if these influences are vation strategy is to conserve one large no longer present. or several smaller populations for a Finally, spatial genetic patterns reflect particular plant species. the regional dynamics of a species — how plant populations interact on a larger regional or landscape level. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Different plant species display different prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, regional dynamics: they differ in the disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all pro- amount and direction of genetic grams.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, connection (gene flow) among the large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET populations. Sometimes there are larger Center at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA Director, Office of Civil populations that are relatively stable Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independent Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or over time and act as the source of new call: (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). genes for smaller, less stable popula- tions or as foundation stock for new USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Photo credits: (top left) Paul Wray, Iowa State University, (top right) USDA populations. For other species, the APHIS PPQ, (others) Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org. 2006.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Genetic Structure and Eco-Geographical Differentiation of Lancea Tibetica in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
    G C A T T A C G G C A T genes Article Genetic Structure and Eco-Geographical Differentiation of Lancea tibetica in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Xiaofeng Chi 1,2 , Faqi Zhang 1,2,* , Qingbo Gao 1,2, Rui Xing 1,2 and Shilong Chen 1,2,* 1 Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; [email protected] (X.C.); [email protected] (Q.G.); [email protected] (R.X.) 2 Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Xining 810001, China * Correspondence: [email protected] (F.Z.); [email protected] (S.C.) Received: 14 December 2018; Accepted: 24 January 2019; Published: 29 January 2019 Abstract: The uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) had a profound impact on the plant speciation rate and genetic diversity. High genetic diversity ensures that species can survive and adapt in the face of geographical and environmental changes. The Tanggula Mountains, located in the central of the QTP, have unique geographical significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Tanggula Mountains as a geographical barrier on plant genetic diversity and structure by using Lancea tibetica. A total of 456 individuals from 31 populations were analyzed using eight pairs of microsatellite makers. The total number of alleles was 55 and the number per locus ranged from 3 to 11 with an average of 6.875. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.2693 to 0.7761 with an average of 0.4378 indicating that the eight microsatellite makers were efficient for distinguishing genotypes.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Variation and Human Evolution
    | NSW Department of Education Genetic Variation and Human Evolution. This article is referenced in the Module 5 and 6 guide, IQ6-1: Can population genetic patterns be predicted with any accuracy? The article is no longer available online. It is archived at the American Society of Human Genetics www.ashg.org. The article provides background information about the use of mitochondrial DNA and Y- chromosome DNA studies to determine a possible path for human evolution. Students could carry out their own research after reading this article. Genetic Variation and Human Evolution Lynn B. Jorde, Ph.D. Department of Human Genetics University of Utah School of Medicine. The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of human genetic data. Innumerable DNA sequences and genotypes have been generated, and they have led to significant biomedical advances. In addition, these data have greatly increased our understanding of patterns of genetic diversity among individuals and populations. The purpose of this brief review is to show how our knowledge of genetic variation can contribute to an understanding of our similarities and differences, our origins, and our evolutionary history. Patterns of genetic diversity inform us about population history because each major demographic event leaves an imprint on a population's collective genomic diversity. A reduction in population size reduces genetic diversity, and an increase in population size eventually increases diversity. The exchange of migrants between populations inevitably results in greater genetic similarity, while isolation preserves genetic uniqueness. These demographic signatures are passed from generation to generation, such that the genomes of modern individuals reflect their demographic history.
    [Show full text]
  • Low Genetic Diversity May Be an Achilles Heel of SARS-Cov-2 COMMENTARY Jason W
    COMMENTARY Low genetic diversity may be an Achilles heel of SARS-CoV-2 COMMENTARY Jason W. Rauscha, Adam A. Capoferria,b, Mary Grace Katusiimea, Sean C. Patroa, and Mary F. Kearneya,1 Scientists worldwide are racing to develop effective immune response. Hence, tracking genetic variation vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome in the SARS-CoV-2 surface glycoprotein is of para- coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of mount importance for determining the likelihood of the COVID-19 pandemic. An important and perhaps vaccine effectiveness or immune escape. To put this underappreciated aspect of this endeavor is ensuring variation in perspective, Fig. 1 shows a graphical illus- that the vaccines being developed confer immunity to tration of comparative genetic diversity among surface all viral lineages in the global population. Toward this glycoproteins of select human pathogenic viruses, in- end, a seminal study published in PNAS (1) analyzes cluding SARS-CoV-2, correlated with the availability 27,977 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from 84 countries and effectiveness of respective preventive vaccines. obtained throughout the course of the pandemic to Although genetic diversity is only one of many track and characterize the evolution of the novel coro- determinants of vaccine efficacy, there is a clear inverse navirus since its origination. The principle conclusion correlation between these two metrics among viral reached by the authors of this work is that SARS-CoV-2 pathogens examined in our analysis. Presumably due genetic diversity is remarkably low, almost entirely the to its relatively recent origins, genetic diversity in the product of genetic drift, and should not be expected to SARS-CoV-2 surface glycoprotein, spike, encoded by impede development of a broadly protective vaccine.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of Norway Spruce (Picea Abies (L.) Karsten) at Its Southern Lineage in Europe
    Article Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) at Its Southern Lineage in Europe. Implications for Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources Srđan Stojni´c 1,*, Evangelia V. Avramidou 2 , Barbara Fussi 3, Marjana Westergren 4, Saša Orlovi´c 1, Bratislav Matovi´c 1, Branislav Trudi´c 1, Hojka Kraigher 4, Filippos A. Aravanopoulos 5 and Monika Konnert 3 1 Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; [email protected] (S.O.); [email protected] (B.M.); [email protected] (B.T.) 2 Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, HAO “DEMETER”, 11528 Athens, Greece; [email protected] 3 Bavarian Office for Forest Seeding and Planting, 83317 Teisendorf, Germany; [email protected] (B.F.); [email protected] (M.K.) 4 Slovenian Forestry Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; [email protected] (M.W.); [email protected] (H.K.) 5 Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +381-21-540-382 Received: 5 February 2019; Accepted: 11 March 2019; Published: 14 March 2019 Abstract: In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) natural populations situated in Serbia, belonging to the southern lineage of the species at the southern margin of the species distribution range. Four populations occur as disjunct populations on the outskirts of the Dinaric Alps mountain chain, whereas one is located at the edge of Balkan Mountain range and, therefore, can be considered as ecologically marginal due to drier climatic conditions occurring in this region.
    [Show full text]
  • Evolutionary History and Genetic Connectivity Across Highly Fragmented Populations of an Endangered Daisy
    Heredity (2021) 126:846–858 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-021-00413-0 ARTICLE Evolutionary history and genetic connectivity across highly fragmented populations of an endangered daisy 1 1 2 3 1 Yael S. Rodger ● Alexandra Pavlova ● Steve Sinclair ● Melinda Pickup ● Paul Sunnucks Received: 29 May 2020 / Revised: 24 January 2021 / Accepted: 25 January 2021 / Published online: 19 February 2021 © The Author(s) 2021. This article is published with open access Abstract Conservation management can be aided by knowledge of genetic diversity and evolutionary history, so that ecological and evolutionary processes can be preserved. The Button Wrinklewort daisy (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides) was a common component of grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. It is now endangered due to extensive habitat loss and the impacts of livestock grazing, and is currently restricted to a few small populations in two regions >500 km apart, one in Victoria, the other in the Australian Capital Territory and nearby New South Wales (ACT/NSW). Using a genome-wide SNP dataset, we assessed patterns of genetic structure and genetic differentiation of 12 natural diploid populations. We estimated intrapopulation genetic diversity to scope sources for genetic management. Bayesian clustering and principal coordinate 1234567890();,: 1234567890();,: analyses showed strong population genetic differentiation between the two regions, and substantial substructure within ACT/ NSW. A coalescent tree-building approach implemented in SNAPP indicated evolutionary divergence between the two distant regions. Among the populations screened, the last two known remaining Victorian populations had the highest genetic diversity, despite having among the lowest recent census sizes. A maximum likelihood population tree method implemented in TreeMix suggested little or no recent gene flow except potentially between very close neighbours.
    [Show full text]
  • How Does Ecological Disturbance Influence Genetic Diversity?
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by The Australian National University How does ecological disturbance influence genetic diversity? Sam C. Banks 1,2 Geoffrey J. Cary 1 Annabel L. Smith 1,2 Ian Davies 1 Don A. Driscoll 1,2 A. Malcolm Gill 1 David B. Lindenmayer 1,2 Rod Peakall 3 1 The Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia 2. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions and the National Environmental Research Program Environmental Decisions Hub 3 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia Corresponding author: Banks, S.C. ([email protected]) 1 Abstract Environmental disturbance underpins the dynamics and diversity of many of the world’s ecosystems, yet its influence on the patterns and distribution of genetic diversity is poorly appreciated. We argue here that disturbance history may be the major driver that shapes patterns of genetic diversity in many natural populations. We outline how disturbance influences genetic diversity through changes in both selective processes and demographically-driven, selectively-neutral processes. Our review highlights the opportunities and challenges presented by genetic approaches, such as landscape genomics, for better understanding and predicting the demographic and evolutionary responses of natural populations to disturbance. Developing this understanding is now critical as disturbance regimes are changing rapidly in a human-modified world. Why should we consider disturbance as a driver of the distribution of genetic diversity? Environmental disturbance underpins the dynamics and diversity of many of the world’s ecosystems [1, 2].
    [Show full text]
  • The Inflated Significance of Neutral Genetic Diversity in Conservation Genetics PERSPECTIVE Jo~Ao C
    PERSPECTIVE The inflated significance of neutral genetic diversity in conservation genetics PERSPECTIVE Jo~ao C. Teixeiraa,b,1 and Christian D. Hubera,1 Edited by Andrew G. Clark, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and approved December 30, 2020 (received for review July 22, 2020) The current rate of species extinction is rapidly approaching unprecedented highs, and life on Earth presently faces a sixth mass extinction event driven by anthropogenic activity, climate change, and ecological collapse. The field of conservation genetics aims at preserving species by using their levels of genetic diversity, usually measured as neutral genome-wide diversity, as a barometer for evaluating pop- ulation health and extinction risk. A fundamental assumption is that higher levels of genetic diversity lead to an increase in fitness and long-term survival of a species. Here, we argue against the perceived impor- tance of neutral genetic diversity for the conservation of wild populations and species. We demonstrate that no simple general relationship exists between neutral genetic diversity and the risk of species extinc- tion. Instead, a better understanding of the properties of functional genetic diversity, demographic his- tory, and ecological relationships is necessary for developing and implementing effective conservation genetic strategies. conservation genetics | adaptive potential | inbreeding depression | genetic load | species extinction Are Species with Little Genetic Diversity Moreover, low genetic diversity is related to reduced Endangered? individual life span and health, along with a depleted Climate change caused by human activity is currently capacity for population growth (9). In contrast, high responsible for widespread ecological disruption and levels of genetic diversity are often seen as key to habitat destruction, with an ensuing unprecedented promoting population survival and guaranteeing the rate of species loss known as the Anthropocene Mass adaptive potential of natural populations in the face of Extinction (1–4).
    [Show full text]
  • Defining Genetic Diversity (Within a Population)
    Primer in Population Genetics Hierarchical Organization of Genetics Diversity Primer in Population Genetics Defining Genetic Diversity within Populations • Polymorphism – number of loci with > 1 allele • Number of alleles at a given locus • Heterozygosity at a given locus • Theta or θ = 4Neμ (for diploid genes) where Ne = effective population size μ = per generation mutation rate Defining Genetic Diversity Among Populations • Genetic diversity among populations occurs if there are differences in allele and genotype frequencies between those populations. • Can be measured using several different metrics, that are all based on allele frequencies in populations. – Fst and analogues – Genetic distance, e.g., Nei’s D – Sequence divergence Estimating Observed Genotype and Allele Frequencies •Suppose we genotyped 100 diploid individuals (n = 200 gene copies)…. Genotypes AA Aa aa Number 58 40 2 Genotype Frequency 0.58 0.40 0.02 # obs. for genotype Allele AA Aa aa Observed Allele Frequencies A 116 40 0 156/200 = 0.78 (p) a 0 40 4 44/200 = 0.22 (q) Estimating Expected Genotype Frequencies Mendelian Inheritance Mom Mom Dad Dad Aa Aa Aa Aa •Offspring inherit one chromosome and thus A A one allele independently A a and randomly from each parent AA Aa •Mom and dad both have genotype Aa, their offspring have Mom Dad Mom Dad Aa Aa three possible Aa Aa genotypes: a A a a AA Aa aa Aa aa Estimating Expected Genotype Frequencies •Much of population genetics involves manipulations of equations that have a base in either probability theory or combination theory. -Rule 1: If you account for all possible events, the probabilities sum to 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Recent Trends in Research on the Genetic Diversity of Plants: Implications for Conservation
    diversity Article Recent Trends in Research on the Genetic Diversity of Plants: Implications for Conservation Yasmin G. S. Carvalho 1, Luciana C. Vitorino 1,* , Ueric J. B. de Souza 2,3 and Layara A. Bessa 1 1 Laboratory of Plant Mineral Nutrition, Instituto Federal Goiano campus Rio Verde, Rodovia Sul Goiana, km 01, Zona Rural, Rio Verde, GO 75901-970, Brazil; [email protected] (Y.G.S.C.); [email protected] (L.A.B.) 2 Laboratory of Genetics and Biodiversity, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás—UFG, Avenida Esperança s/n, campus Samambaia, Goiânia, GO 74690-900, Brazil; [email protected] 3 National Institute for Science and Technology in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation of Biodiversity, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO 74690-900, Brazil * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 21 March 2019; Accepted: 16 April 2019; Published: 18 April 2019 Abstract: Genetic diversity and its distribution, both within and between populations, may be determined by micro-evolutionary processes, such as the demographic history of populations, natural selection, and gene flow. In plants, indices of genetic diversity (e.g., k, h and π) and structure (e.g., FST) are typically inferred from sequences of chloroplast markers. Given the recent advances and popularization of molecular techniques for research in population genetics, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and ecology, we adopted a scientometric approach to compile evidence on the recent trends in the use of cpDNA sequences as markers for the analysis of genetic diversity in botanical studies, over the years. We also used phylogenetic modeling to assess the relative contribution of relatedness or ecological and reproductive characters to the genetic diversity of plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Measures of Genetic Diversity
    Genetic diversity analysis with molecular marker data: Learning module Measures of genetic diversity Copyright: IPGRI and Cornell University, 2003 Measures 1 1 Contents f Basic genetic diversity analysis f Types of variables f Quantifying genetic diversity: • Measuring intrapopulation genetic diversity • Measuring interpopulation genetic diversity f Quantifying genetic relationships: • Diversity and differentiation at the nucleotide level • Genetic distance f Displaying relationships: • Classification or clustering • Ordination f Appendices Copyright: IPGRI and Cornell University, 2003 Measures 2 2 Basic genetic diversity analysis 1. Description of variation within 2. Assessment of relationships and between populations, among individuals, populations, regions, etc. regions, etc. Individuals 01 02 03 04 05 06 1 0 1 1 0 1 01 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 02 0.56 0 M 0 1 1 0 1 0 a 03 0.33 0.33 0 r d 1 0 0 0 1 1 k a 04 0.47 0.26 0.50 0 e t 0 0 1 1 0 0 t a 1 1 1 0 0 0 05 0.32 0.43 0.37 0.28 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 06 0.33 0.56 0.56 0.37 0.46 0 Ind5 3. Expression of relationships Ind3 between results obtained from Ind6 different sets of characters Ind4 Ind2 Ind1 Copyright: IPGRI and Cornell University, 2003 Measures 3 Most of the genetic diversity analysis that we might want to do will involve the following steps: 1. Describing the diversity. This may be done within a population or between populations. It may also extend to larger units such as areas and regions.
    [Show full text]
  • High Genetic Diversity and Low Differentiation in Michelia
    Article High Genetic Diversity and Low Differentiation in Michelia shiluensis, an Endangered Magnolia Species in South China Yanwen Deng 1,2 , Tingting Liu 1,2, Yuqing Xie 1,2, Yaqing Wei 3,4, Zicai Xie 2, Youhai Shi 3,4,* and Xiaomei Deng 1,2,* 1 Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, Guangzhou 510642, China; [email protected] (Y.D.); [email protected] (T.L.); [email protected] (Y.X.) 2 College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; [email protected] 3 Key Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Biology of Tropical Special Ornamental Plants of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; [email protected] 4 College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China * Correspondence: [email protected] (Y.S.); [email protected] (X.D.); Tel.: +86-135-1803-0049 (Y.S.); +86-137-1116-8219 (X.D.) Received: 26 March 2020; Accepted: 17 April 2020; Published: 21 April 2020 Abstract: Research Highlights: This study is the first to examine the genetic diversity of Michelia shiluensis (Magnoliaceae). High genetic diversity and low differentiation were detected in this species. Based on these results, we discuss feasible protection measures to provide a basis for the conservation and utilization of M. shiluensis. Background and Objectives: Michelia shiluensis is distributed in Hainan and Guangdong province, China. Due to human disturbance, the population has decreased sharply, and there is thus an urgent need to evaluate genetic variation within this species in order to identify an optimal conservation strategy. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used eight nuclear single sequence repeat (nSSR) markers and two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers to assess the genetic diversity, population structure, and dynamics of 78 samples collected from six populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Diversity Polymorphism Population Genetics Microevolution
    Evolution and Medicine • Evolution of the Genomes • Genetic Diversity and Polymorphism • Evolutionary Mechanisms Ø Microevolution vs Macroevolution Ø Population Genetics Ø Evolution and Medicine Personalized genomics PLoS Biology | www.plosbiology.org October 2007 | Volume 5 | Issue 10 From an individual to a population • It took a long time (20-25 yrs) to produce the draft sequence of the human genome. • Soon (within 5-10 years), entire populations can have their DNA sequenced. Why do we care? • Individual genomes vary by about 1 in 1000bp. • These small variations account for significant phenotype differences. • Disease susceptibility. • Response to drugs are just few but important examples • How can we understand genetic variation in a population, and its consequences? Population Genetics • Individuals in a species (population) are phenotypically different. • These differences are inherited (genetic). Understanding the genetic basis of these differences is a key challenge of biology! • The analysis of these differences involves many interesting algorithmic questions. • We will use these questions to illustrate algorithmic principles, and use algorithms to interpret genetic data. Variation in DNA • The DNA is inherited by the child from its parent. • The copying is not identical, but might be mutated. • If the mutation lies in a gene,…. • Different proteins are produced but not only proteins • Genes are switched on or off • Different phenotype. Random Drift and Natural selectionThree outcomes of mutations • Darwin suggested the following: • Organisms compete for finite resources. • Organisms with favorable characteristics are more likely to reproduce, leading to fixation of favorable mutations (Natural selection). • Over time, the accumulation of many changes suitable to an environment leads to speciation if there is Lethalisolation.
    [Show full text]