mutation accumulation theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutation accumulation theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to evolutionary biology, genetics, or theories of aging. Example: "According to the mutation accumulation theory, the accumulation of mutations over time can lead to aging and the decline of fitness in organisms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are based on the mutation accumulation theory of half a century ago.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Genomic regions exhibiting high D, but low recombination rates, are therefore good candidates for harboring variants implicated under the mutation accumulation theory of ageing.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Under the mutation accumulation theory, the persistence of asexual lineages is more problematic unless asexuals are able to minimise the competition with sexuals through high dispersal rates [ 17].

BMC Ecology

Diverse theories have been proposed in an attempt to explain this issue [ 11], including the mutation accumulation theory, suggested in 1952 by Medawar [ 86], and the antagonistic pleiotropy theory, suggested by Williams in 1957 [ 87].

BMC Cancer

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Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mechanisms of aging and longevity were selected based on major theories of aging, such as the theory of mutation accumulation, the theory of programmed cell death, etc. [ 4 ].

Aging

This observation is also notable in the context of the mutation accumulation evolutionary theory of ageing, which posits that unconditionally deleterious alleles can accumulate if their fitness effects are confined to postreproductive periods of life when selection against them is weak (Medawar 1952; Charlesworth 1994).

Genome Biology and Evolution

This observation harmonizes with the mutation accumulation evolutionary theory of aging, based on the idea that unconditionally deleterious alleles can accumulate if their fitness effects strike only in the postreproductive phase of life.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Lansing (1947, 1954) hypothesized that the cumulative aging effect across generations was caused by a factor that accumulates during an individual's life and is transmitted to the next generation, an idea compatible with both mutation accumulation and antagonistic pleiotropy theories.

Aging Cell

These theories assume therefore that mutations increasing mortality late in life are either subject: 1) to very small negative selection and can therefore accumulate (mutation accumulation) or 2) to small enough negative selection to be traded-off against higher fertility or survival at young ages (antagonistic pleiotropy).

Plosone

In this respect, our results therefore provide support for the theory of mutation accumulation.

Plosone

Detractors of the theory of mutation accumulation argue that it is unrealistic as an explanation of senescence because hazard rates should go to infinity when the force of selection reaches zero (i.e. after menopause), resulting in a wall of death (i.e. an age beyond which there is no survival).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing aging or evolutionary biology, use "mutation accumulation theory" to specifically refer to the concept that deleterious mutations accumulate due to weak selection late in life.

Common error

Avoid using "mutation accumulation theory" as a blanket term for all aging theories. It is a specific evolutionary explanation for senescence, not a general catch-all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutation accumulation theory" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific evolutionary theory explaining aging, referencing the accumulation of deleterious mutations due to declining selective pressure with age. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mutation accumulation theory" refers to a specific concept within evolutionary biology, explaining aging as a result of accumulating late-acting deleterious mutations. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It's primarily used in scientific contexts and less common in news or general discourse. Understanding this theory requires grasping its evolutionary underpinnings and its difference from other theories of aging like antagonistic pleiotropy. Therefore, using the phrase correctly involves recognizing its specific scope and avoiding its generalization as a blanket term for all aging mechanisms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theory of mutation accumulation

Reverses the order of the words "mutation" and "theory", maintaining the same meaning.

mutation accumulation hypothesis

Substitutes "theory" with "hypothesis", indicating a proposition not yet fully proven.

accumulation of mutations theory

Focuses on the process of accumulation as the primary aspect of the theory.

Medawar's mutation accumulation theory

Attribution to Peter Medawar who formalized the theory, adding specificity.

evolutionary theory of aging by mutation accumulation

Adds context by clarifying the link to aging and evolutionary biology.

genetic drift theory of aging

Implies the process by which allele frequencies fluctuate randomly over time, which drives the accumulation of deleterious mutations.

accumulation of deleterious mutations

Highlights the type of mutations involved in the aging process.

evolutionary explanation of senescence

Focuses on aging, the ultimate outcome of the accumulation of mutations.

the hypothesis of declining selection

Suggests late-acting deleterious mutations fix in a population because selection against them is weak.

antagonistic pleiotropy theory

Presents an alternative, but related, evolutionary theory of aging.

FAQs

What is the main idea behind the "mutation accumulation theory"?

The "mutation accumulation theory" posits that deleterious mutations accumulate over time, especially those with effects late in life, because natural selection is weaker at older ages.

How does "mutation accumulation theory" relate to aging?

This theory suggests that the accumulation of late-acting deleterious mutations contributes to the process of aging, as these mutations are not effectively removed by selection.

What are some alternative phrases for "mutation accumulation theory"?

You can use alternatives such as "theory of mutation accumulation" or "mutation accumulation hypothesis" depending on the context.

How does "mutation accumulation theory" differ from other aging theories like antagonistic pleiotropy?

While both are evolutionary theories of aging, "mutation accumulation theory" focuses on the accumulation of weakly selected mutations, whereas antagonistic pleiotropy suggests that some genes beneficial early in life become harmful later on.