| Abstract: | Particular theory of heredity that exceeds the limits of mendelian genetics is suggested. The model based on five sufficiently obvious assumptions (accepted as axioms) As consequence of these axioms the strict statements concerningfunctional heredity memory were formulated in mathematical terms. Molecular-genetic realization of the memory cells appears as new class of heredity units--epigenes. In the epigenes part f hereditary information is contained, encoded and transmitted beyond the primary structure of DNA molecules of genome. Epigenes capable to conserve sequences of genes functional states in the course of ontogenesis and provide transmission of information contained in this states throw consequent generations. It was shown that epigenes differ from genes at least by encoding method of heredity information. There are three functional-equivalent classes of really existing epigenes mechanisms: dynamic, modificational and transpositional; and there is one hypothetical class--invertional. It was shown that a lot of experimental data concerning epigenetic mechanism of heredity is in accord with theoretical conclusions concerning epigenes existence. Moreover, we constructed an artificial epigenes by genetic engineering methods. The existence of epigenes means that obtaining complete genome sequence, its physical and genetic maps, as well as distinguishing the rules of genes function encoding by its primary structure do not provide complete decoding of hereditary information. The role of epigenes in ontogenesis and phylogenesis was examined. It was shown that even elementary epigenetic systems could determine key ontogenesis events. Epigenetic system could serve as the basis of non-darwinian evolutionary strategies by means of "memorization of rather unsuccessfully steps of evolution" and conservation of alternative variants of ontogenesis. Teleonomic hypothesis on functional heredity memory was formulated. This theory provides explanation of phenomena of acquired features inheritance and molecular mechanisms of stress-induced evolution. |
