Self-incompatibility alleles from Physalis: implications for historical inference from balanced genetic polymorphisms.

ABSTRACT: Balanced genetic polymorphism has been proposed as a source from which to infer population history complementary to that of neutral genetic polymorphism, because genetic polymorphism maintained by balancing selection permits inferences about population size over much longer spans of time. However, empirical data for both S genes and major histocompatibility complex genes do not fit expectations of coalescent theory. Species-specific gene genealogies have longer terminal branches than expected, indicating an apparent slowdown in the origination of new alleles. Here, we present evidence that divergent S alleles were selectively maintained in Physalis cinerascens during a reduction in population size, generating longer terminal branches in the S gene genealogy relative to the congener Physali

SUBMITTER: Richman AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC15111 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature