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(Reference retrieved automatically from Google Scholar through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Mutation accumulation in growing asexual lineages

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Author(s):
Fontanari‚ JF ; Colato‚ A. ; Howard‚ RS
Total Authors: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Physical Review Letters; v. 91, n. 21, p. 218101, 2003.
Abstract

The stochastic loss of entire classes of individuals bearing the fewest number of mutations-a process known as Muller's ratchet-is studied in asexual populations growing unconstrained from a single founder. In the neutral regime, where mutations have zero effect on fitness, we derive a recursion equation for the probability distribution of the minimum number of mutations carried by individuals in the least-loaded class, and obtain an explicit condition for the halting of the ratchet. Next, we consider the case of deleterious mutations, and show that weak selection can actually accelerate the ratchet beyond that achieved for the neutral regime. This effect is transitory, however, as our results suggest that even weak purifying selection will eventually lead to the complete cessation of the ratchet. These results may have important implications for problems in biology and the medical sciences. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 99/09644-9 - Theoretical Molecular Evolution
Grantee:José Fernando Fontanari
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants