Genetic control of redundant systems.

Concepts from information theory are used to develop a model in which genes control highly redundant systems. One consequence is that mutations interact synergistically and there will be selection against zygotes which have several mutations in any one system. This could explain why total mutational load in the human genome remains constant even though there are several new mutations per generation. This model has implications for fertility, polygenic disease and cancer. It also explains a fundamental biological problem concerning the advantage of sexual over asexual reproduction.