Rapid evolution and histocompatibility antigen function

✍ Scribed by Karen M. Fischer

• Book ID: 104155343
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1980
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 504 KB
• Volume: 84
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-5193
• DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5193(80)80017-8

✦ Synopsis

Recent evaluations of the fossil evidence suggest that a theory of phyletic gradualism as the basic tempo of evolution is untenable. A theory of punctuational change has been proposed, suggesting that rapid evolution of geographical isolates is the evolutionary norm. An alternate model of evolution is suggested. The histocompatibility antigens are posited to act as gateways to the genome, permitting or forbidding entry of viruses into the genome. Gene flow through viral transmission is hypothesized as a basic phylogenetic process, allowing for rapid evolutionary change.