Observation of a ZZW female in a natural population: implications for avian sex determination

被引：19

作者：

Arlt, D ^{[1
]}

Bensch, S ^{[1
]}

Hansson, B ^{[1
]}

Hasselquist, D ^{[1
]}

Westerdahl, H ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] Lund Univ, Dept Anim Ecol, S-22362 Lund, Sweden

来源：

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES | 2004年 / 271卷

关键词：

sex determination; ZZW; W chromosome; chromosomal aberration; Acrocephalus arundinaceus;

D O I：

10.1098/rsbl.2003.0155

中图分类号：

Q [生物科学];

学科分类号：

07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;

摘要：

Avian sex determination is chromosomal; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. There is no conclusive evidence for either of two proposed mechanisms: a dominant genetic switch or a dosage mechanism. No dominant sex-determining gene on the female-specific W chromosome has been found. Birds lack inactivation of one of the Z chromosomes in males, but seem to compensate for a double dose of Z-linked genes by other mechanisms. Recent studies showing female-specific expression of two genes may support an active role of the W chromosome. To resolve the question of avian sex determination the investigation of birds with a 2A: ZZW or 2A: Z0 genotype would be decisive. Here, we report the case of an apparent 2A: ZZW great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) female breeding in a natural population, which was detected using Z-linked microsatellites. Our data strongly suggest a role of W-linked genes in avian sex determination.

引用

页码：S249 / S251

页数：3

共 22 条

[1] Female mating status and reproductive success in the great reed warbler: Is there a potential cost of polygyny that requires compensation? [J].