NeoDarwinian Review

The study "Origin of primate orphan genes: a comparative genomics approach" delves into a fascinating area of evolutionary biology: the emergence of novel genes specific to particular lineages, in this case, primates. Orphan genes, also known as taxonomically-restricted genes, are defined by their lack of recognizable homologs in related species, suggesting they arose relatively recently in evolutionary history. This contrasts sharply with the classical evolutionary view  where most new genes are thought to arise through the duplication and subsequent divergence of pre-existing genes. The investigation into primate orphan genes, using the powerful lens of comparative genomics and epigenomics raises questions about the framework of neo-Darwinism and highlights the underappreciated role of epigenetics in evolution. The core methodology of such studies involves comparing the genomes and epigenomes of multiple primate species with those of closely related non-primate...

A new theoretical framework , "Preassembly Theory Invoking Prehistoric DNA Alterations," is stirring the pot of evolutionary biology. It posits that the vast, seemingly silent, expanses of noncoding DNA – often dismissed as "junk DNA" – are, in fact, ancient repositories of pre-assembled genetic modules. These modules, built and stored over eons, can be rapidly activated to fuel significant evolutionary leaps, a notion that directly involves epigenetic mechanisms and presents a challenge to the established tenets of neo-Darwinism. At its core, Preassembly Theory proposes a mechanism to address some of the long-standing enigmas in evolutionary biology, particularly the rapid emergence of complex traits and a-historic evolutionary jumps, such as the Cambrian Explosion or the sudden appearance of flowering plants – events that Charles Darwin himself found perplexing. The theory, primarily articulated by F.M. Menger and colleagues, suggests that rather than ...

The journey from the earliest, simple self-replicating entities to the staggering complexity of multicellular organisms represents one of the most profound narratives in biology. The article "Evolution and the Emergence of Complex Organisms" delves into this transition, exploring the mechanisms that drive the intricate orchestration of development and diversification.  While the Neo-Darwinian framework, emphasizes random genetic mutation and natural selection, understanding the rise of complexity necessitates incorporating newer perspectives. Among these, the field of epigenetics offers compelling insights, revealing mechanisms that operate alongside genetic changes and, in doing so, challenges core assumptions of the traditional synthesis. Neo-Darwinism, or the Modern Synthesis, solidified in the mid-20th century, posits that evolution primarily proceeds through changes in the frequencies of gene alleles within populations. Random mutations generate variation in...

Neo-Darwinism, built upon the foundation of Darwin's natural selection and Mendelian genetics, largely envisions evolution as a gradual process. It posits that random mutations accumulate over time, and those conferring a selective advantage lead to changes in phenotype, often through alterations in protein structure and function. This model has been proposed to explain evolutionary phenomena, particularly when considering well-structured, globular proteins where a specific three-dimensional conformation is critical for function—the classic "lock-and-key" paradigm. However, the burgeoning field of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) presents a fascinating challenge to this traditional view, suggesting that a significant portion of the proteome operates under different evolutionary rules, capable of both remarkable mutational tolerance and astonishing long-term conservation. IDPs, unlike their structured counterparts, lack a stable,...

A profound shift is underway in our understanding of the intricate dance between genes, environment, and the elusive nature of human consciousness. The burgeoning field of epigenetics, which explores modifications to DNA that don't change the sequence itself but profoundly alter gene activity, is at the heart of this revolution. A growing body of research, including insightful reviews such as "A review of epigenetics in human consciousness," suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are not only pivotal in shaping our conscious experiences but also pose significant challenges to the long-held tenets of neo-Darwinism. Epigenetics offers a dynamic layer of control over our genetic blueprint, acting as a switchboard that determines which genes are turned on or off in response to a myriad of influences. This regulatory system is deeply implicated in the development and functioning of the human brain, the very seat of consciousness. From the earliest stages ...

“We conclude that the rarity of the LTEE mutant was an artifact of the experimental conditions and not a unique evolutionary event. No new genetic information (novel gene function) evolved.” -Lenski The LTEE: A Landmark in Experimental Evolution Initiated by Richard Lenski in 1988, the LTEE tracks the genetic changes in 12 initially identical populations of E. coli bacteria grown in a minimal glucose medium. It provides a view of adaptation in action. Around generation 31,500 in one population (designated Ara-3). These bacteria develop the ability to metabolize citrate (Cit+), a component of the growth medium they previously couldn't utilize under the aerobic conditions of the experiment. This was initiationally viewed as an neo-Darwinian innovation, a key adaptation allowing the bacteria to tap into a new energy source. Neo-Darwinism (The Modern Synthesis) Neo-Darwinism integrates Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics. Its core te...