Chromosome number evolves at equal rates in holocentric and monocentric clades.

ABSTRACT: Despite the fundamental role of centromeres two different types are observed across plants and animals. Monocentric chromosomes possess a single region that function as the centromere while in holocentric chromosomes centromere activity is spread across the entire chromosome. Proper segregation may fail in species with monocentric chromosomes after a fusion or fission, which may lead to chromosomes with no centromere or multiple centromeres. In contrast, species with holocentric chromosomes should still be able to safely segregate chromosomes after fusion or fission. This along with the observation of high chromosome number in some holocentric clades has led to the hypothesis that holocentricity leads to higher rates of chromosome number evolution. To test for differences in rates of chrom

SUBMITTER: Ruckman SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7584213 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature