Modelling 'evo-devo' with RNA

Bioessays. 2002 Dec;24(12):1164-77. doi: 10.1002/bies.10190.

Abstract

The folding of RNA sequences into secondary structures is a simple yet biophysically grounded model of a genotype-phenotype map. Its computational and mathematical analysis has uncovered a surprisingly rich statistical structure characterized by shape space covering, neutral networks and plastogenetic congruence. I review these concepts and discuss their evolutionary implications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Genotype
  • Kinetics
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*
  • Phenotype
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA / chemistry*
  • RNA / physiology*
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • RNA