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ARTICLE
Simple evolutionary pathways to complex proteins
Article first published online: 1 JAN 2009
DOI: 10.1110/ps.041171805
Copyright © 2005 The Protein Society
1469-896X/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=0ff483325083001100314f63c633a394aff24478 "Protein Science")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Lynch, M. (2005), Simple evolutionary pathways to complex proteins. Protein Science, 14: 2217–2225. doi: 10.1110/ps.041171805
Publication History
- Issue published online: 1 JAN 2009
- Article first published online: 1 JAN 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 16 JUN 2005
- Manuscript Received: 8 OCT 2004
- Manuscript Revised: 8 OCT 2004
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- evolutionary theory;
- gene duplication;
- microevolutionary theory;
- multi-residue functions;
- mutation;
- neofunctionalization;
- population genetics;
- protein evolution;
- random genetic drift
Abstract
A recent paper in this journal has challenged the idea that complex adaptive features of proteins can be explained by known molecular, genetic, and evolutionary mechanisms. It is shown here that the conclusions of this prior work are an artifact of unwarranted biological assumptions, inappropriate mathematical modeling, and faulty logic. Numerous simple pathways exist by which adaptive multi-residue functions can evolve on time scales of a million years (or much less) in populations of only moderate size. Thus, the classical evolutionary trajectory of descent with modification is adequate to explain the diversification of protein functions.