3 ms·
As I remember it, it was stated in "The Selfish Gene" that the vast bulk of genetic code served only a single purpose: ensuring it itself was replicated. It had
by knome 7y ago
As I remember it, it was stated in "The Selfish Gene" that the vast bulk of genetic code served only a single purpose: ensuring it itself was replicated. It had no known function for the organism, it simply was copied from generation to generation. The primary "goal" of any self-replicator. Since it didn't actively interfere with the genes that do have an affect on the construction of the structures the genes build around themselves to protect and propagate those genes, namely us and any other organisms, the genes would simply continue being copied along indefinitely.
- brokenmachine 7y agoForgive my naive question, but if the host is not affected if that code is lost, then wouldn't you imagine that eventually all that code would be destroyed by random mutation? There's no selection.
- knome 7y agoThe book really is a fantastic read. If you've any curiosity on the matter, I would suggest picking up a copy. The premise is that it is not organisms, but genes themselves which are the primary target of evolution. All but the gene is mere trappings that surround their competitive replication. Those genes that manage to slide from generation to generation aren't doing nothing, they are those that are most successful at duplicating themselves into the next generation. If they do not hinder the organism in their duplication, there is no pressure for their removal.