ISSN:
1420-9071
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The African mouse,Leggada minutoides Smith, shows a chromosomal polymorphism: a first male (Coast of Ivory) had 32 chromosomes; theX is a big metacentric, theY a big submetacentric and the autosomes are acrocentric, with the single exception of the biggest pair which associates two submetacentric elements. By a second male (Congo), 33 chromosomes are found, amongst them only one big submetacentric autosome. This statement and the odd diploid number shows clearly that we have to deal with an heterozygot, two acrocentric elements representing respectively one arm of the submetacentric autosome. Now, we may be sure that this male belongs to a population built of individuals having 32, 33 and 34 chromosomes. The origin of such a population must have arisen in a primitive population where 34 was the diploid number, through a centric fusion. Such cases pose the question of the balanced chromosomial polymorphism and of the adaptative value of each formula6.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02171601
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