title: A DNA test to sex ratite birds.
abstract: DNA-based sex tests now exist for many avian species. However, none of these tests are widely applicable to ratites. We present DNA sequence data for a locus that is W chromosome-linked in the kiwi, ostrich, cassowary, rhea, and emu. At the amino acid level, this sequence has significant homology to X-linked genes in platyfish and Caenorhabditis elegans. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers designed to this locus allow the assignment of sex in all species of living ratites.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular BioSciences and Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Huynen
authors.forename: Craig D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Millar
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lambert
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D046108:Palaeognathae / Q000235:genetics*; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics*; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis
chemical_list: D004247:DNA