Adaptive amplification, an inducible chromosomal instability mechanism
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
January 2000
Publication Title
Cell
Abstract
Adaptive mutation is an induced response to environmental stress in which mutation rates rise, producing permanent genetic changes that can adapt cells to stress. This contrasts with neo-Darwinian views of genetic change rates blind to environmental conditions. DNA amplification is a flexible, reversible genomic change that has long been postulated to be adaptive. We report the discovery of adaptive amplification at the lac operon in Escherichia coli. Additionally, we find that adaptive amplification is separate from, and does not lead to, adaptive point mutation. This contradicts a prevailing alternative hypothesis whereby adaptive mutation is normal mutability in amplified DNA. Instead, adaptive mutation and amplification are parallel routes of inducible genetic instability allowing rapid evolution under stress, and escape from growth inhibition. Note: Link is to the article in a subscription database available to users affiliated with Butler University. Appropriate login information will be required for access. Users not affiliated with Butler University should contact their local librarian for assistance in locating a copy of this article.
Recommended Citation
Hastings, P.; Bull, H.; Kowalski, Jennifer; and Rosenberg, S., "Adaptive amplification, an inducible chromosomal instability mechanism" Cell 103/ (2000): -.
Available at https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/facsch_papers/1160