Mitochondrial DNA Develops Resistance in Animals against Climate Change

Agrima Bhatt, Rajasthan University

The continuous changes in climate conditions are happening at a very rapid pace due to global warming. We are already observing the effects of climate change whether it is the heat waves in Canada or the recent flooding in Germany. The predicted results of the past are quickly coming true. Although various measures to combat climate change have been taken, humans have fortunately been quick to realize that the same are not enough. 

Since the exploration of Charles Darwin, we have come to terms with the process known as “natural selection”. Humans are evolving creatures from centuries beyond, adapting to different changes and conditions, we are known for our survival instincts. Scientists have quickly developed an interest in this process of adaptation. With years of research and technology on our hands, people are now interested in exploring the mechanism behind the animal’s ability to face drastic conditions.

Mitochondrial DNA:

In the study of human evolution, mitochondrial DNA has played a huge role in its understanding. It works as a source of genetic information for such studies. Mitochondria contain thousands of copies in each cell and encode several important proteins necessary for human functioning. These properties are important for the evolution of mitochondrial medicine and can play a huge part in the understanding of the diseases and their cause.

It can also be used to trace the distribution of genetic elements such as variations. Mitochondrial DNA is known for the property of high polymorphism and variation. This is of interest in scientific studies to develop more adaptations to develop resistance against climate change in animals. With the help of genetic therapies, nucleotides have been introduced into its DNA for the development of resistance and performance enhancement.

Adapt and Overcome:

This unpredictable past has brought changes in organisms to overcome this predicament. Animals overcome this unpredictability either by migrating to favorable conditions or by plasticity and adaptation. Plasticity is a short-term change whereas adaptation is a long-term change they incorporate into their lives. Scientists are interested in exploring these adaptation techniques and responses in animals. Although, adaptations include nuclear and genetic mechanisms which have been explored previously. Mitochondrial DNA and its genome capacity for variation have not been deeply explored till now. 

Epigenetic variations and mechanisms allow phenotypic variations to take place in organisms without altering their genome. This property can also be induced via nuclear and mitochondrial DNA to adapt to such long-term variations. In humans, the mitochondrial genome possesses more than 200 open reading frames of the 20 amino acids, which give vast scope for manipulation. According to the latest research, these variations can induce fitness in a population and lead to better evolution in physiology and reproductive isolation. 

On future Studies:

Before practical experimentations, much more research is needed into the mitochondrial genome and its potential for variations. Mitochondrial DNA is said to have a huge potential and scope in both humans and animals. To understand the complex mechanism inside mitochondria such as translation and transcription, knowledge about mitochondrial ncRNAs and micro peptides is integral. It will further reveal what mechanism is responsible for a certain disease to occur. 

Reference:

1. Breton, S., Ghiselli, F., & Milani, L. (2021). Mitochondrial short-term plastic responses and long-term evolutionary dynamics in animal species. Genome Biology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evab084

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Author’s info:

Agrima Bhatt is an undergraduate student studying BSc. Biotechnology in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She is a science and research enthusiast who also loves to write articles and short snippets.

Some of her published articles at BioXone are:

1. https://bioxone.in/news/worldnews/molecular-mechanisms-underlying-virescent-mutation-in-cotton/
2. https://bioxone.in/news/worldnews/multi-angle-projection-microscope-a-novel-imaging-technique/
3. https://bioxone.in/news/worldnews/scientists-develop-novel-cholera-vaccine-from-rice-grains/
4. https://bioxone.in/news/worldnews/ai-predicts-the-relation-between-viruses-and-mammals/