Developmental evolution model of plants shows how genetic changes accumulate leading to divergence

What is it about?

Developmental system drift (DSD) is a process where a phenotypic trait is conserved over evolutionary time, while the genetic basis for the trait changes. DSD has been identified in models with simpler genotype-phenotype maps (GPMs), such as RNA folding, however the extent of DSD in more complex GPMs, such as developmental pattern formation, is debated. To investigate the occurrence of DSD in complex developmental GPMs, we constructed a multi-scale computational model of the evolution of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) governing plant meristem (stem cell niche) development.

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Photo by Merih Tasli on Unsplash

Photo by Merih Tasli on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our findings show how in a complex developmental case genetic changes can accumulate without changing the developmental outcome. This finding shows that complex developmental programs might be more evolveable than currently thought, and shows the mechanism responsible.