Pleiotropy, Epistasis and Constraint
Abstract
This chapter concerns the connections between genotype, phenotype and fitness in simple enzyme and metabolic systems. Pleiotropy, epistasis and genotype by environment interactions originate in mechanisms of protein folding, the nature of enzyme-free energy profiles and the architecture of the simplest of metabolic pathways. Experiments verify that relative fitness can be predicted from first principles given changes in enzyme activity and stability. However, predicting those changes in enzyme activity and stability requires knowledge of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction
RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 71–89
- Publication date
- 5 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter