Arlt, Debora
- Institutionen för naturvårdsbiologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
Sammanfattning
Avian sex determination is chromosomal; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. There is no conclusive evidence for either of two proposed mechanisms: a dominant genetic switch or a dosage mechanism. No dominant sex-determining gene on the female-specific W chromosome has been found. Birds lack inactivation of one of the Z chromosomes in males, but seem to compensate for a double dose of Z-linked genes by other mechanisms. Recent studies showing female-specific expression of two genes may support an active role of the W chromosome. To resolve the question of avian sex determination the investigation of birds with a 2A: ZZW or 2A: Z0 genotype would be decisive. Here, we report the case of an apparent 2A: ZZW great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) female breeding in a natural population, which was detected using Z-linked microsatellites. Our data strongly suggest a role of W-linked genes in avian sex determination.
Nyckelord
sex determination; ZZW; W chromosome; chromosomal aberration; Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Publicerad i
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
2004, volym: 271, sidor: S249-S251
Utgivare: ROYAL SOC LONDON
SLU författare
Publikationens identifierare
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2003.0155
Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/3411