9527716 MICHOD This project studies the transition in evolution from cells to organisms for the purpose of understanding the emergence of organisms as a new unit of selection. The issues considered are applicable to all major transitions in evolution, such as from individual genes to gene networks, from gene networks to bacteria-like cells, from bacteria-like cells to eukaryotic cells with organelles, from cells to multicellular organisms, and from solitary organisms to societies. All transitions in the units of selection share two common themes: (i) the emergence of cooperation among the lower level units in the functioning of the new higher level unit, and (ii) regulation of conflict among the lower level units. These issues are represented in explicit genetical models of mutation and selection within and between organisms for the purpose of understanding certain general, but by no means universal, features of organisms: the presence of a sequestered germ line, maternal control of cell fate during early development, and the passage of the reproductive cycle through a single cell state-the zygote. The research is applicable to the conflict among cells that arises within organisms in the development of cancers.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9527716
Program Officer
Mark Courtney
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1996-04-01
Budget End
1999-03-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
$153,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Arizona
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Tucson
State
AZ
Country
United States
Zip Code
85721