Epimutations and mutations, nurturing phenotypic diversity

Epimutations and mutations are two dissimilar mechanisms that have contributed to the phenotypic diversities in organisms. Though dissimilar, many previous studies have revealed that the consequences of epimutations and mutations are not mutually exclusive. DNA rich in epigenetic modifications can b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Genetica 2022-08, Vol.150 (3-4), p.171-181
Main Author: Shah, Jasmine M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Genetics and Genomics
Biological evolution
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
Epigenetics
Evolutionary Biology
Genomes
Human Genetics
Life Sciences
Microbial Genetics and Genomics
Molecular evolution
Mutation
Mutation hot spots
Organisms
Plant Genetics and Genomics
Review
Speciation
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Summary:Epimutations and mutations are two dissimilar mechanisms that have contributed to the phenotypic diversities in organisms. Though dissimilar, many previous studies have revealed that the consequences of epimutations and mutations are not mutually exclusive. DNA rich in epigenetic modifications can be prone to mutations and vice versa. In order to get a better insight into the molecular evolution in organisms, it is important to consider the information of both genetic and epigenetic changes in their genomes. Understanding the similarities and differences between the consequences of epimutations and mutations is required for a better interpretation of phenotypic diversities in organisms. Factors contributing to epigenetic changes such as paramutations and mutation hotspots and, the correlation of the interdependence of mutations and epigenetic changes in DNA are important aspects that need to be considered for molecular evolutionary studies. Thus, this review explains what epimutations are, their causes, how they are similar/different from mutations, and the influence of epigenetic changes and mutations on each other, further emphasizing how molecular evolution involving both mutations and epimutations can lead to speciation. Considering this approach will aid in reorganizing taxonomic classifications, importantly, solving disparities in species identification.
ISSN:0016-6707
1573-6857
DOI:10.1007/s10709-021-00124-8