Meiosis and DNA Repair

Accumulating evidence indicates that the main adaptive function of meiosis is the repair of damage in germ line DNA, transmitted from parent to progeny. This view contrasts with the alternative view that meiosis is primarily an adaptation for generating new genetic variation that might provide a competitive advantage. Meiosis occurs in forms of reproduction that produce little or no genetic variation among progeny, such as parthenogenesis, selfing (self-fertilization), and close inbreeding. Such forms of reproduction in fungi, protozoa, insects, plants and animals are reviewed here, and some of the benefits of these forms of reproduction are described. These benefits are evidence consistent with the concept that the main adaptive benefit of meiosis is the repair of damage in germ-line DNA.