Somatic gene conversion saves asexual worms from extinction risk.
Asexual worms can avoid harmful mutations by using gene conversion in their stem cells. This process helps them stay healthy and adapt to their environment, even without sexual reproduction. This study looked at different types of worms and found that asexual worms can fix bad genes and keep good ones through gene conversion. This helps them survive and thrive, showing how asexuality can be beneficial in some cases.