Simulating evolution to understand a hidden switch : vimarsa

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IMAGE: Using computer simulations built on reasonable assumptions and conducted under careful control, computational bioscientists can mimic real biological conditions. Starting with the original founding population (ancient phase), they can evolve...
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Credit: © 2021 KAUST; Anastasia Serin
Computer simulations of cells evolving over tens of thousands of generations reveal why some organisms retain a disused switch mechanism that turns on under severe stress, changing some of their characteristics. Maintaining this "hidden" switch is one means for organisms to maintain a high degree of gene expression stability under normal conditions.
Tomato hornworm larvae are green in warmer regions, making camouflage easier, but black in cooler temperatures so that they can absorb more sunlight. This phenomenon, found in some organisms, is called phenotypic switching. Normally hidden, this switching is activated in response to dangerous genetic or environmental changes.

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