Accelerating Evolutionary Change through Adaptive and Directed Mutation

Mutation provides the molecular basis for evolutionary change. Directed mutation occurs specifically in response to the stress condition that the induced mutation relieves, while adaptive mutation is defined as a mutation that occurs at variable rates depending on conditions, particularly stress conditions, that enhance these rates, but is not targeted to a specific site. Adaptive mutation is less controversial than directed mutation, but the mechanisms involved are in many cases still poorly defined. This written symposium on the nature, mechanisms and consequences of adaptive and directed mutation focuses on recent research dealing with these novel cutting-edge areas of genetics and evolution. Presenting several points of view, it will bring the reader up to date with respect to current research in the field using different experimental systems. Anyone interested in novel mechanisms of evolutionary change via mutation will find this written symposium, the first of its kind, a fascinating and essential read.