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- Title
The mutational hazard hypothesis of organelle genome evolution: 10 years on.
- Authors
Smith, David Roy
- Abstract
Why is there such a large variation in size and noncoding DNA content among organelle genomes? One explanation is that this genomic variation results from differences in the rates of organelle mutation and random genetic drift, as opposed to being the direct product of natural selection. Along these lines, the mutational hazard hypothesis (MHH) holds that 'excess' DNA is a mutational liability (because it increases the potential for harmful mutations) and, thus, has a greater tendency to accumulate in an organelle system with a low mutation rate as opposed to one with a high rate of mutation. Various studies have explored this hypothesis and, more generally, the relationship between organelle genome architecture and the mode and efficiency of organelle DNA repair. Although some of these investigations are in agreement with the MHH, others have contradicted it; nevertheless, they support a central role of mutation, DNA maintenance pathways and random genetic drift in fashioning organelle chromosomes. Arguably, one of the most important contributions of the MHH is that it has sparked crucial, widespread discussions about the importance of nonadaptive processes in genome evolution.
- Subjects
ORGANELLES; GENETIC mutation; NON-coding DNA; NATURAL selection; DNA repair; HYPOTHESIS
- Publication
Molecular Ecology, 2016, Vol 25, Issue 16, p3769
- ISSN
0962-1083
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/mec.13742