Specific variants depend on the genetic background of the organism and result from a combination of previously silent genetic polymorphisms. Under selection, the underlying variants can be enriched to the point where expression of the trait becomes independent of Hsp90 deficits. This process provides a plausible mechanism to promote rapid evolutionary change in entrenched developmental processes. The misfolded proteins pass from mother cell to daughter and act as seeds to perpetuate the alternately folded prion state from generation to generation. This results in the heritable suppression of nonsense mutations in specific markers.
Evolutionary change is fueled by genetic diversity and fluctuating environments.
Trends Cell Biol.