Degeneracy, also known as genetic redundancy, is a phenomenon in which a single gene has multiple functions and can be replaced by other genes or proteins with similar functions (Lieberman, 2014). Degeneracy is a key component of the evolutionary process, as it allows for the adaptation of organisms to their environment (Das et al., 2017).
The concept of genetic degeneracy was first proposed by the evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane in the 1930s (Haldane, 1930). He suggested that the presence of multiple copies of a gene could provide the organism with a degree of redundancy, allowing it to maintain its fitness in the face of environmental changes. This idea was later formalized by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s as the “neutral theory” of evolution (Kimura, 1968). The neutral theory suggested that most genetic changes are neutral and have no effect on the organism’s fitness, but can be acted upon by natural selection if they confer a fitness advantage.
Degeneracy is a major factor in the evolution of complex organisms. It allows for the rapid adaptation of organisms to new environments or changing conditions (Das et al., 2017). Degeneracy also allows for the emergence of new traits or functions, as multiple genes can be used to achieve a single goal (Lieberman, 2014). For example, multiple genes can code for the same enzyme, allowing for the rapid evolution of new functions.
Degeneracy has implications for medical research as well. It is believed that degeneracy can be used to explain the resistance of some organisms to antibiotics (Das et al., 2017). In these cases, multiple genes code for the same protein, allowing for the emergence of drug-resistant forms of the organism.
In conclusion, degeneracy is an important concept in evolutionary biology and has significant implications for medical research. It allows for the rapid adaptation of organisms to their environment and can explain the emergence of new traits or functions.
References
Das, S., Dutta, S., & Ghosh, R. (2017). Degeneracy: an evolutionary and medical perspective. Frontiers in Genetics, 8, 1-10.
Haldane, J. B. S. (1930). The Causes of Evolution. Longmans, Green and Co.
Kimura, M. (1968). Evolutionary rate at the molecular level. Nature, 217(5129), 624–626.
Lieberman, P. (2014). Degeneracy: A Key to Evolutionary Success. Current Biology, 24(19), R924–R927.