A Genome’s Potential to Evolve Any Life form

Evolution is an undeniable phenomenon. However, the molecular-level details underlying the evolutionary process are yet to be completely elucidated. Many studies highlight that random mutations alone can not completely answer evolution given the intricateness of living systems, the time elapsed between species, and abrupt evolutionary events like the Cambrian explosion. Moreover, the details of non-random mutations have also come to light recently which, in addition to challenging the long-standing paradigm of random mutations, highlight the prospect of molecular details aiming at efficient adaptive variations boosting evolution. In this regard, this article looks at DNA, the code of life. DNA exists as chromatin, the physiological form, in all kingdoms of life and is a highly dynamic and environmentally sensitive entity. It exhibits various epigenetic and genetic features that interact synergistically and exert a significant influence on the evolutionary process. Finally, it is proposed that a genome, through the interplay between its epigenetic features, genetic features, and environmental changes, has the potential to give rise to any life form.