The selfishness of law-abiding genes

The presence of selfish elements in the genome is accepted, but the remainder of genes are usually considered to be ‘law-abiding’.

‘Law-abiding’ genes can also indulge in game playing to ensure their propagation, allowing nonessential processes to secure a genetic heritage.

Appreciation of this aspect of gene ‘function’ can shed new light on the origin of molecular mechanisms that underlie biological processes.

More generally, a bottom-up ‘gene-centric’ view of genome evolution may help to explain the complexity and robustness of biological entities.

Molecular complexity of living organisms may therefore be driven from below by the opportunism of genes.

Selfish genes were once controversial, but it is now accepted that the genome contains parasitic elements in addition to a complement of conventional genes. This opinion article argues that ‘law-abiding’ genes also indulge in game playing to ensure their propagation, so that initially nonessential processes secure a genetic heritage. A gene-centered view of this kind can help to explain otherwise puzzling aspects of biology, including the complexity and stability of living systems.