Origin and evolution of the Drosophila Y chromosome

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2002 Dec;12(6):664-8. doi: 10.1016/s0959-437x(02)00356-8.

Abstract

Three recent findings are making a deep impact on our understanding of the Drosophila Y. First, the sequencing of the Drosophila genome and the development of proper computational methods increased the number of known single-copy Y-linked genes from 1 to 16, and revealed a chromosome packed with genes acquired from the autosomes. Second, this, coupled with the finding that B-chromosomes are able to show very regular segregation from the X chromosome, reinforce the hypothesis that the Drosophila Y is a specialized B-chromosome, instead of a degenerated homologue of the X. Third and finally, Y chromosomes seem to have a strong effect on male fitness.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Male
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Y Chromosome / genetics*