Daily Newsletter March 13, 2012
Today's Topic: Is Prokaryotic Evolution Different?
Yesterday, you were asked to review the theory of evolution. Fresh off of that review, here is a question: Is evolution the same for prokaryotes as it is for eukaryotes?
Consider the following:
Do prokaryotes have an alternation of generations?
Do they move between haploid and diploid states?
Do they follow Mendelian Genetics?
Do Mendel's first and second laws work with bacteria?
How does prokaryotic evolution fit with the Modern Synthesis of Evolution?
Do bacteria experience natural selection?
Reflect on this statement: Bacterial evolution represents a sequence of random mutations and accumulation of foreign genes, with resulting surviving generations acquiring further genes or gene modifications providing stronger adaptation potential.
How does this statement fit what you know of evolution? Is it correct? Are there problems with it?
Remember: Evolution is not goal oriented, and there is no "Final Product". Evolution is a population level phenomena, not an individual event.
Read the abstract, introduction and conclusion of the following article:
Blount ZD, Borland CZ, Lenski RE. Inaugural Article: Historical contingency and the evolution of a key innovation in an experimental population of Escherichia coli. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2008;105(23):7899–7906.
(you can gain access through GSU library)
A helpful website is Bacterial/Prokaryotic Phylogeny.
Today's Challenge: Describe Prokaryotic Evolution
From your textbook, your review of evolution yesterday, and information from today, write up a discussion on the mechanism of bacterial evolution. Two things to consider while writing: 1) The source of all new genetic variation is mutation, and 2) bacteria experience horizontal gene transfer.
Administrative Note: The Website for Milestone 2 will be open later today. You will receive a special notice regarding the new website when it is ready to accept papers.
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