Maternal inheritance, sexual conflict and the maladapted male.

Trends Genet

Department of Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA.

Published: May 2005

AI Article Synopsis

  • Females transmit both nuclear genes and cytoplasmic genetic elements (CGEs), which include mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA.
  • Recent research has focused primarily on nuclear genes, often viewing organelles just as energy sources.
  • A more balanced approach to studying nuclear genes and organelle genomes can help explain sexual selection dynamics and why certain maladaptive traits are common in males.

Article Abstract

Females differ from males in transmitting not only nuclear genes but also cytoplasmic genetic elements (CGEs), including DNA in mitochondria, chloroplasts and microorganisms that are present in the cell. Until recently, evolutionary research has adopted a nucleocentric approach in which organelles have been viewed as subservient energy suppliers. In this article, we propose that a more equitable view of nuclear genes and organelle genomes will lead to a better understanding of the dynamics of sexual selection and the constraints on male adaptation. Maternal inheritance of CGEs intensifies sexually-antagonistic coevolution and provides a parsimonious explanation for the relatively high frequency in males of such apparently maladaptive traits as infertility, homosexuality and baldness.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2005.03.006DOI Listing

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