arXiv subjects

Kalin Vetsigian

Publications and source records attributed to Kalin Vetsigian.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2006

Collective evolution and the genetic code

A dynamical theory for the evolution of the genetic code is presented, which accounts for its universality and optimality. The central concept is that a variety of collective, but non-Darwinian, mechanisms likely to be present in early communal life generically lead to refinement and selection of innovation-sharing protocols, such as the genetic code. Our proposal is illustrated using a simplified computer model, and placed within the context of a sequence of transitions that early life may have made, prior to the emergence of vertical descent.

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2005

Global divergence of microbial genome sequences mediated by propagating fronts

We model the competition between recombination and point mutation in microbial genomes, and present evidence for two distinct phases, one uniform, the other genetically diverse. Depending on the specifics of homologous recombination, we find that global sequence divergence can be mediated by fronts propagating along the genome, whose characteristic signature on genome structure is elucidated, and apparently observed in closely-related {\it Bacillus} strains. Front propagation provides an emergent, generic mechanism for microbial "speciation", and suggests a classification of microorganisms on the basis of their propensity to support propagating fronts.

q-bio.GN↗

arXiv2003

Computationally efficient phase-field models with interface kinetics

We present a new phase-field model of solidification which allows efficient computations in the regime when interface kinetic effects dominate over capillary effects. The asymptotic analysis required to relate the parameters in the phase-field with those of the original sharp interface model is straightforward, and the resultant phase-field model can be used for a wide range of material parameters.

cond-mat↗