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How to make a sex chromosome

Author

Listed:
  • Alison E. Wright

    (Evolution and Environment University College London)

  • Rebecca Dean

    (Evolution and Environment University College London)

  • Fabian Zimmer

    (Evolution and Environment University College London)

  • Judith E. Mank

    (Evolution and Environment University College London)

Abstract

Sex chromosomes can evolve once recombination is halted between a homologous pair of chromosomes. Owing to detailed studies using key model systems, we have a nuanced understanding and a rich review literature of what happens to sex chromosomes once recombination is arrested. However, three broad questions remain unanswered. First, why do sex chromosomes stop recombining in the first place? Second, how is recombination halted? Finally, why does the spread of recombination suppression, and therefore the rate of sex chromosome divergence, vary so substantially across clades? In this review, we consider each of these three questions in turn to address fundamental questions in the field, summarize our current understanding, and highlight important areas for future work.

Suggested Citation

  • Alison E. Wright & Rebecca Dean & Fabian Zimmer & Judith E. Mank, 2016. "How to make a sex chromosome," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12087
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12087
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    Cited by:

    1. Li He & Yuàn Wang & Yi Wang & Ren-Gang Zhang & Yuán Wang & Elvira Hörandl & Tao Ma & Yan-Fei Mao & Judith E. Mank & Ray Ming, 2024. "Allopolyploidization from two dioecious ancestors leads to recurrent evolution of sex chromosomes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.

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