Introduction
In the recent article “New study provides the first evidence of non-random mutations in DNA,” Harry Baker (2022) discusses the findings of Grey Monroe et al. regarding non-random DNA mutations. The scholars discovered that the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) plant’s essential genetic information is more protected than other, less important, parts of DNA. These findings partly challenge the views that have been predominant ever since Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution which postulated that changes in the genome occur randomly. In this regard, from the standpoint of Biology 30, Baker’s piece covers all the central topics related to DNA, including genetic mutations, non-random mutations, and somatic and germline mutations.
DNA Mutation Process
DNA consists of molecules that can be easily altered or harmed. Baker (2022) states that DNA in each cell of a living organism can be damaged approximately a thousand to a million times every day. Additionally, issues with the genetic code appear when cells divide, which may result in certain copy mistakes of replicated DNA. However, in the case of human bodies, most of the occurred errors are effectively addressed by DNA repair proteins. Other errors that the organism failed to ‘cure’ would be further replicated and may or may not pass to the offspring. Yet, Baker (2022) maintains that since the prevalent part of DNA consists of non-essential molecules, there is a small chance that most of the errors would significantly affect the organism. Nevertheless, when the mutation happens in a genome itself, it can lead to noticeable changes that would either be regarded as positive or negative.
Somatic and Germline Mutations
Mutations that occur in DNA can be generally divided into two groups, namely somatic and germline mutations. The former implies that any changes in the genetic information only happen in the parent organism and do not pass to the offspring. On the other hand, the latter type of mutation means that changes that occurred in the parent’s genome may also pass to the next generations with a certain percent of probability.
Non-Random Mutation
As was mentioned before, previously, the fact that mutation occurs randomly was the predominant view in biology and other natural and social sciences. Yet, the study conducted by Monroe and his colleagues proves that DNA repair proteins may prioritize ‘curing’ essential genes over other parts of the molecule. It was concluded after comparing the probability of mutation appearance in various DNA parts of thale cress. As such, it is hypothesized that histones–proteins that surround DNA to construct chromosomes–are covered with special chemical marks that attract repair proteins in the areas with the genome information. As a result, the prevalent resources of the organism can be gathered to address the issues in the latter parts of DNA.
Conclusion
Although the results discussed above prove that non-random mutations occur in thale cress, there is a high probability that similar processes will happen in other live organisms. In this respect, Baker (2022) notes that the research conducted by Monroe and his colleagues may inspire further research, especially in the sphere of human DNA. This potentially can help society to develop a treatment for many diseases that are caused by the mutations in the genome, such as cancer and diabetes, to name a few.
Reference
Baker, H. (2022). A new study provides the first evidence of non-random mutations in DNA. Live Science. Web.