Summary
Theoretical studies of the rate of fixation of null alleles at duplicate loci were carried out with both deterministic numeric analysis and computer simulations assuming an intermediate selective optimum of the number of active gene copies. A relatively rapid loss of duplicate gene expression occurs with this model under a wide variety of conditions, including incomplete recessiveness of the null allele and linkage. It differs from previous models of gene loss, which are based on mutation pressure, because the rate of gene loss is accelerated with increasing population size. Identification of the mode of selection responsible for the observed loss of gene duplication in polyploid fish is not possible at present. It appears, however, that the loss of duplicate gene expression occurs shortly following duplication. Once some structural or regulatory genetic divergence occurs, the duplicated loci become relatively stable.
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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments.-I thank Professor Bryan Clarke for his suggestions and for providing facilities during my stay in the Genetics Research Unit, Bill Dunlap for commenting on the manuscript, and Drs M. Kimura and N. Takahata for kindly providing me with preliminary copies of their papers. I also thank Dr David Parkin of the Genetics Department and the staff of the Cripps Computer Center for generously providing the facilities and time to complete the simulations presented here. This work was done while I was supported by a NATO Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.
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Allendorf, F. Rapid loss of duplicate gene expression by natural selection. Heredity 43, 247–258 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1979.80
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1979.80
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