In:
Annual Review of Genetics, Annual Reviews, Vol. 30, No. 1 ( 1996-12), p. 261-295
Abstract:
It is not generally realized that genetics has finally solved the age-old problem of the reason for the existence (i.e. the function) of sexuality and sex, and that only geneticists can properly answer the question, “Is sex necessary?” ▪ Abstract Optimality arguments and modifier theory are reviewed as paradigms for the study of the evolution of recombination. Optimality criteria (such as maximization of mean fitness) may agree with results from models developed in terms of the evolution of recombination at modifier loci. Modifier models demonstrate, however, that equilibrium mean fitness can decrease during the evolution of recombination rates and is not always maximized. Therefore, optimality arguments do not successfully predict the conditions under which increased or decreased recombination will evolve. The results from modifier models indicate that decreased recombination rates are usually favored when the population is initially near a polymorphic equilibrium with linkage disequilibrium. When the population is subject to directional selection or to deleterious mutations, increased recombination may be favored under certain conditions, provided that there is negative epistasis among alleles.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0066-4197
,
1545-2948
DOI:
10.1146/genet.1996.30.issue-1
DOI:
10.1146/annurev.genet.30.1.261
Language:
English
Publisher:
Annual Reviews
Publication Date:
1996
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1470448-1
SSG:
12
