Mother and father in surprise genetic agreement
Article Abstract:
Evidence is accumulating of imprinted genes that are unrelated to embryonic or other growth patterns. Iwasa proposes the principle of 'dosage compensation' providing a theoretical explanation as to why imprinted genes could affect social skills in boys and girls. The principle recognizes that females potentially receive twice the dose of genes found on the X-chromosome, which can disrupt other genes. Therefore switch off genes have evolved via imprinting.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Phylogenesis of prion protein
Article Abstract:
The sequence of the prion protein gene is used to reconstruct the phylogeny of different mammal species. Modifications in the prion protein are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and scrapie. Statistical analysis of the pattern of amino-acid substitution through the phylogeny reveals two pairs of substitutions shared by cattle and hominoids.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Honest signalling among gametes
Article Abstract:
The role of pheromonal signals in announcing the quality of gametes is demonstrated. Fitness of the signalling gamete can be inferred from quality and strength of signals as well as the perception of receiving gametes. Unlike other theories on mate choice, this new model can explain other mating behaviors such as partner exchanges, trading of mating pheromones and rejection of low-signalling gametes.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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