Why should the gene be suggested to be inconstant when the contrary view, that gene structure is invariant except through mutagenic processes induced by potent external factors, has long been a universal doctrine of genetics? Indeed, during the early part of the present century before mutation was recognized as being of general occurrence, the seeming unvarying nature of the gene led to skepticism regarding the validity of the evolutionary theory; only later could the origins of the morphological differences between individuals and species be attributed to a combination of mutation and evolution, involving natural forces selecting between favorable and unfavorable genetic changes. But during the past several decades, as knowledge of the macromolecular constitution of or ganisms has increased to the point where even the primary structures of the genes themselves are being revealed on a routine basis, it has become increas ingly difficult to ascribe all the resulting observations to ordinary mutagenesis and natural selection. Some more profound mechanism often seems to be present that influences both the constancy and inconstancy of the genes, an ap paratus whose existence this study hopes to reveal. In seeking to demonstrate the universality of this mechanism, data are sought through the numerous activities of organisms of many types wherever gene action changes are manifest.

The Inconstant Gene

Science & Math

Dillon, Lawrence

Mathematics

New York: Plenum 1981

Animal variety (Concepts of biology series)

WM.C. Brown Co.

As shown in the text, there can be little doubt that the genetic mechanism is, for all practical purposes, equivalent to life itself. Consequently, it is unrealistic to seek knowledge of the origin of life and its subsequent evolution without si multaneously searching for an understanding of how this apparatus arose and evolved. Fortunately, the annual publication over the recent years of thousandS" of papers dealing with the genetic processes has brought the state of knowledge to a level where a synthesis of their major details in relation to life's history is feasible. Because of the voluminous body of literature, no single book can pos sibly treat all the ramifications of this fundamental subject; subdivision into multiple volumes is necessary. This volume, the first of a trilogy, explores the molecular aspects of the problem in connection with the precellular aspects up to the point of the origin of the cell. The second, currently in progress, is con cerned with the subsequent evolution of the cell as revealed by the energy related organelles and their genetic apparatuses and by ultrastructural details of other cellular parts. The third volume, as presently planned, deals with devel opmental, immunological, and other complexities at the organismic level and, in so doing, throws additional light on basic properties of the genetic processes themselves. Thus, the genetic apparatus provides the warp, and evolution the woof, of the intricate fabric that emerges.

The Genetic Mechanism and the Origin of Life

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Gardening & Landscape Design

Springer

<p>Why should the gene be suggested to be inconstant when the contrary view, that gene structure is invariant except through mutagenic processes induced by potent external factors, has long been a universal doctrine of genetics? Indeed, during the early part of the present century before mutation was recognized as being of general occurrence, the seeming unvarying nature of the gene led to skepticism regarding the validity of the evolutionary theory; only later could the origins of the morphological differences between individuals and species be attributed to a combination of mutation and evolution, involving natural forces selecting between favorable and unfavorable genetic changes. But during the past several decades, as knowledge of the macromolecular constitution of or ganisms has increased to the point where even the primary structures of the genes themselves are being revealed on a routine basis, it has become increas ingly difficult to ascribe all the resulting observations to ordinary mutagenesis and natural selection. Some more profound mechanism often seems to be present that influences both the constancy and inconstancy of the genes, an ap paratus whose existence this study hopes to reveal. In seeking to demonstrate the universality of this mechanism, data are sought through the numerous activities of organisms of many types wherever gene action changes are manifest.</p>

Biological Sciences

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