How malleable is the eukaryotic genome? Extreme rate of chromosomal rearrangement in the genus Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: During the evolution of the genus Drosophila, the molecular organization of the major chromosomal elements has been repeatedly rearranged via the fixation of paracentric inversions. Little detailed information is available, however, on the extent and effect of these changes at the molecular level. In principle, a full description of the rate and pattern of change could reveal the limits, if any, to which the eukaryotic genome can accommodate reorganizations. We have constructed a high-density physical map of the largest chromosomal element in Drosophila repleta (chromosome 2) and compared the order and distances between the markers with those on the homologous chromosomal element (3R) in Drosophila melanogaster. The two species belong to different subgenera (Drosophila and Sophophora, resp

SUBMITTER: Ranz JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC311025 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature