The Genetics of Adaptation: How sex, conflict, and pathogens shape modern genomes

Catalog description

This class explores the evolutionary battles that play out between genes within and across genomes. Pathogens evolve their molecular arsenal to manipulate host cells and enhance their own replication. The host genome fights back with molecular defense mechanisms that evade or suppress the invading bacterial and viral pathogens. Such “molecular arms races” also play out between host genomes and genomic parasites called selfish genetic elements. These selfish elements, like transposons, spore killers, and meiotic drivers, similarly evolve to replicate in their host genomes and the host genome evolves to block proliferation and mitigate the collateral damage. Finally, conflicts over access to mates drives genetic innovations. We will learn about these molecular arms races using the primary literature. During our course meetings, we will discuss assigned articles and engage in small groups around multiple writing assignments. Presentation preparation and writing are two skills that we’ll develop over the semester.