Letter
|
Open Access
Featured
-
-
Article |
Remarkably ancient balanced polymorphisms in a multi-locus gene network
Local adaptations are often governed by several interacting genes scattered throughout the genome. Here a novel type of multi–locus genetic variation is described that has been maintained within a species over a vast period of time. A balanced unlinked gene network polymorphism is dissected that involves galactose utilization in a close relative of baker's yeast.
- Chris Todd Hittinger
- , Paula Gonçalves
- & Antonis Rokas
-
Letter |
Mutational robustness can facilitate adaptation
If robustness is the opposite of evolvability, we might expect that a robust population would have difficulty adapting to environmental change; however, some studies have suggested that genetic robustness facilitates adaptation. Here, using a general population genetics model, mutational robustness is found to either impede or facilitate adaptation depending on the population size, the mutation rate and the structure of the fitness landscape.
- Jeremy A. Draghi
- , Todd L. Parsons
- & Joshua B. Plotkin
-
News & Views |
Decoding a national treasure
The giant-panda genome is the first reported de novo assembly of a large mammalian genome achieved using next-generation sequencing methods. The feat reflects a trend towards ever-decreasing genome-sequencing costs.
- Kim C. Worley
- & Richard A. Gibbs
-
News |
Mystery of the brown giant panda deepens
Rare sighting of brown-and-white panda sparks conservation debate.
- Henry Nicholls