- THIS ARTICLE
- Full Text (PDF)
- Alert me when this article is cited
- Alert me if a correction is posted
- SERVICES
- Similar articles in this journal
- Similar articles in PubMed
- Alert me to new issues of the journal
- Download to citation manager
- Reprints & Permissions
- CITING ARTICLES
- Citing Articles via Google Scholar
- GOOGLE SCHOLAR
- Articles by Moody, M. E.
- Articles by Basten, C. J.
- Search for Related Content
- PUBMED
- PubMed Citation
- Articles by Moody, M. E.
- Articles by Basten, C. J.
Genetics, Vol 124, 187-197, Copyright © 1990
INVESTIGATIONS |
The Evolution of Latent Genes in Subdivided Populations
M. E. Moody and C. J. Basten
Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics and Program in Genetics and Cell Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-2930
We define latent genes as phenotypically silent DNA sequences which may be reactivated by various genetic mechanisms. Of interest is how they and their functional counterparts can be maintained at high frequency in the face of mutation and selection pressure. We propose a two-deme, three-allele model incorporating viability selection, mutation and migration in haploid populations. It is shown that polymorphism for the three alleles can be easily maintained for a wide range of biologically meaningful parameter values. Computer simulations were employed to gain qualitative insight into the global dynamics of the system. It was found that the dynamics of the latent allele is closely correlated with that of the functional allele. In addition, bias in the migration rates can strengthen or weaken selective conditions for preservation of the functional and latent alleles.