Sequence diversity, reproductive isolation and species concepts in Saccharomyces.

ABSTRACT: Using the biological species definition, yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces sensu stricto comprise six species and one natural hybrid. Previous work has shown that reproductive isolation between the species is due primarily to sequence divergence acted upon by the mismatch repair system and not due to major gene differences or chromosomal rearrangements. Sequence divergence through mismatch repair has also been shown to cause partial reproductive isolation among populations within a species. We have surveyed sequence variation in populations of Saccharomyces sensu stricto yeasts and measured meiotic sterility in hybrids. This allows us to determine the divergence necessary to produce the reproductive isolation seen among species. Rather than a sharp transition from fertility to sterility, w

SUBMITTER: Liti G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1602076 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature