[jcims]

It seems like it should be possible to build a drop-in replacement system for DNA that adds a more robust error detection/correction capability. Each gene gets a checksum at the end and the transcription/translation processes are amended to validate these prior to progressing to building proteins.

Obviously it would be more complex than just that but it would be interesting to see how it affects biology. Evolution would now be done primarily though gene mixing vs random mutation, it also seems that things like ionizing radiation could be much more directly harmful, but cancer and autoimmune diseases would seem to be substantially diminished.

No idea how it would affect aging. Seems like it would slow it down but I’m sure it’s more complicated than that.

[edgyquant]

Who says you want more robust DNA transfer? I can imagine there was a time before the LUCA where life was a competition between these gene transfer mechanisms. DNA exists for a reason imo, gene mutation is a feature not a bug

[jcims]

For the species yes, for the individual I don't know that the math is that settled.

[YellOh]

From what I remember of The Selfish Gene, the individual's genes are always trying to maximize copying fidelity. Genes are trying to preserve themselves and take up a larger share of the gene pool; "intentionally" mutating into a different gene seems like a terrible "plan".

Also, the number of mutations that are actively beneficial are lowish. Even on the level of a single human, the whole organism prefers its genes stay intact.

Evolution doesn't work on the species level.