Sex chromosomes: evolution of the weird and wonderful.
New findings in the platypus and Drosophila pseudoobscura illustrate, yet again, that the sex chromosomes seem never to stop evolving. Degeneration processes lead to a continual loss of genes and gene activity on the Y chromosome, and complete loss of Y-linked genes is possible if autosomal genes take over control of male fertility - though addition of new material to the sex chromosomes may start the process anew.
Charlesworth
Deborah
D
Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratory, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK.
Charlesworth
Brian
B
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D008297:Male; D008957:Models, Genetic; D010987:Platypus / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
C110547:DMRT1 protein; D014157:Transcription Factors