Sexually antagonistic genes: experimental evidence

Science. 1992 Jun 5;256(5062):1436-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1604317.

Abstract

When selection differs between the sexes, a mutation beneficial to one sex may be harmful to the other (sexually antagonistic). Because the sexes share a common gene pool, selection in one sex can interfere with the other's adaptive evolution. Theory predicts that sexually antagonistic mutations should accumulate in tight linkage with a new sex-determining gene, even when the harm to benefit ratio is high. Genetic markers and artificial selection were used to make a pair of autosomal genes segregate like a new pair of sex-determining genes in a Drosophila melanogaster model system. A 29-generation study provides experimental evidence that sexually antagonistic genes may be common in nature and will accumulate in response to a new sex-determining gene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Eye Color / genetics
  • Female
  • Genes*
  • Male
  • Phenotype
  • Recombination, Genetic*
  • Selection, Genetic*
  • Sex Ratio*