Abstract
The term ‘adaptive mutation’ is conventionally used to describe any mutation that improves fitness (reproductive success or growth rate). It has recently been applied to the controversial idea that bacteria have mechanisms to create adaptive mutations in response to conditions that prevent growth (stress-induced or stationary phase mutagenesis). Fully fit mutants that arise in a nongrowing population may actually be derived from pre-existing, partially revertant cells that grow slowly and adapt under selection. The secondary improvements are made probable by the number of cells in the initial clone and form with no required increase in mutation rate.
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