Researchers may have uncovered something crucial about how mutations occur in DNA: while previously assumed to be random, they now appear to follow a pattern, rather than occurring at random. This method is favorable to the species’ survival, in this case, a plant known as thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Thale cress is a little flowering weed that can be found growing along the side of the road in Eurasia and Africa. Because of its tiny genome of 120 million base pairs, it is also a favorite of plant scientists, who employ it to study genetics. That may appear large, yet in comparison to other species, it is quite small.
Humans have 25 times as many base pairs as bananas, which have more than four times as many do. Hundreds of thale cress plants were grown in the lab, where genetic flaws would not hinder their survival as they would in the wild, according to a study published in the journal Nature. The sequencing of these plants revealed over one million alterations across the specimens, but only in specific sections of DNA.
In a statement, lead author Professor Grey Monroe of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences remarked, “We always thought of mutation as largely random across the genome.” “It turns out that mutation is highly non-random, but in a way that helps the plant.” It’s a completely different perspective on mutation.” The researchers discovered that areas of the genome with low mutation rates featured critical genes, such as those involved in cell development and gene expression. The main conclusion is that radical changes were less likely to occur in the more critical and sensitive locations.
“At first glance, what we discovered appeared to violate conventional notion that initial mutations are completely random and that only natural selection controls whether mutations are recognized in animals,” said senior author and Max Planck Institute scientific director Detlef Weigel. It appears that the way DNA wraps around proteins can be used to predict whether a gene will change. This shows that genomes have mechanisms in place to safeguard key genes against mutations, so enhancing their chances of survival.
Weigel explained, “The plant has evolved a strategy to safeguard its most critical regions from mutation.” “This is intriguing because these findings could lead to new ideas on how to safeguard human genes against mutation.” The applications that could make are fascinating. This could help plant breeders who rely on genetic variety to improve yields in agricultural fields. It could also provide guidance on how to treat diseases caused by genetic abnormalities, such as cancer.
