Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Mageth · 07-11-2002, 09:23 AM

You can find a definition of HSPs <a href="http://www.xrefer.com/entry/461383" target="_blank">here</a>.

Researchers at the University of Chicago have found that turning down Hsp90 activity in plants turns up variation. From Nature:

<a href="http://www.nature.com/nsu/020506/020506-13.html" target="_blank">Shock protein revelations - Evolution may plunder hidden genetic variation</a>

Quote:

Hsp90's ability to fix malformed proteins allows organisms to accrue dormant genetic variation. But as conditions grow harsh the Hsp90 patrol weakens, unleashing this variation - perhaps giving evolution something to work with just when a species needs it most.

This protein may be a universal mechanism, and:

Quote:

"Hsp90 evolved for one reason, but its side effects could have very important evolutionary consequences," says Schlichting. "Over long periods of time, lineages with the ability to release this variation could have an advantage."

[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]</p>

Mageth · 07-12-2002, 12:11 PM

Just a bump; I thought this was an interesting article and might elicit a few responses.

pseudobug · 07-12-2002, 12:39 PM

Very cool link, Mageth.

This could certainly have a big affect on replication fidelty--particulary in gametes.

No wonder the family jewels like cooler temps on hot days.

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07-12-2002, 12:11 PM	#2
Mageth Contributor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the heart of mother-lovin' Texas Posts: 29,689	Just a bump; I thought this was an interesting article and might elicit a few responses.

07-12-2002, 12:39 PM	#3
pseudobug Regular Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: land of confusion Posts: 178	Very cool link, Mageth. This could certainly have a big affect on replication fidelty--particulary in gametes. No wonder the family jewels like cooler temps on hot days.

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