GENETICS OF GRACILARIA TIKVAHIAE (RHODOPHYCEAE). X. STUDIES ON A BISEXUAL CLONE12

A male done of the red alga Gracilaria tikvahiae McLachlan spontaneously produced a bisexual frond which remained bisexual in subsequent subcultures. Both male and female components of bisexual fronds were functional; however, some unusual results were obtained in crosses. When bisexual fronds were crossed with a normal haploid male, the resulting carpospores all developed into diploid male gametophytes. When bisexual plants were self fertilized, all the carpospores yielded diploid bisexual gametophytes. Only when bisexual plants were crossed to normal haploid females, did carpospores develop into diploid tetrasporophytes as they normally do. The F₁ gametophyte generation obtained from these tetrasporophytes, however, included not only females and males but also bisexual plants, in a 2:1:1 ratio. These results are consistent with the interpretation that bisexual plants have a recessive mutation of a gene other than the primary sex determining locus, and that this mutation is expressed only in male plants. It is suggested that the altered gene may ordinarily have a regulatory function in the maintenance of the dioecious condition.     

Biogenesis of mitochondria 49 identification and mapping of a new mitochondrial locus (tsr1) which maps within polar region of yeast mitochondrial genome.

Summary An enrichment procedure which facilitates the isolation of conditional respiratory-deficient mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reported. Detailed genetic analysis of one mutant which exhibits a respiratory deficient phenotype at low temperature (18°C) is also presented. The phenotype is due to a single lesion at a new locus, tsr1, located on the mitochondrial DNA. By analysis of locus retention patterns in a set of physically characterized petite strains, the tsr1 mutation has been mapped within the segment 0–5 map units on the physical map of the yeast mitochondrial genome. This segment of the mitochondrial DNA also contains the cap1 and ery1 loci and the cistron for the mitochondrial 21S rRNA. Studies of the frequencies of co-retention of markers in petite populations, and of the frequencies of recombination of markers in non-polar crosses (⁺ × ⁺), demonstrate linkage of the tsr1 locus to both the cap1 and ery1 loci. The degree of linkage indicates that tsr1 is closer to the ery1 locus. Comparison of pairwise recombination frequencies for these three markers indicate the order cap1-tsr1-ery1. The tsr1 locus lies within the segment of the mitochondrial genome which is influenced by the polarity locus , and analysis of transmission and recombination frequencies and polarities in a polar (⁺ × ^-) cross show that the behaviour of the tsr1 locus is similar to that of ery1. However striking features of this cross are that the recombination frequency between tsr1 and ery1 is comparable to that observed in non-polar crosses, and that the polarity for recombination between tsr1 and cap1 or ery1 is extremely low.     

Influence of the yellow Locus on Sensitivity of Drosophila Germ Cells to Chemical Mutagens

The effect of theyellow (y) locus on germ cell sensitivity to the alkylating agent ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) has been studied in Drosophila. Since DNA repair is one of the most important factors that control cell sensitivity to mutagens, the approaches used in our experiments aimed at evaluating the relationship between germ-cell mutability and activity of DNA repair. Germ-cell mutability and repair activity were assessed using several parameters, the most important of which was the frequency of the sex-linked recessive lethals (RSLLM). In one series of experiments, the adult males of various genotypes (Berlin K; y; y ct v; and y mei-9 ^a) were treated by mutagenic agents and then crossed to Bascfemales. Comparative analysis of germ-cell mutability as dependent on genotype and the stage of spermatogenesis showed that theyellow mutation significantly enhanced the premeiotic cell sensitivity to EMS, presumably, due to the effect on DNA repair. In the second series of experiments, the effect of the maternal DNA repair was studied and, accordingly, mutagen-treated Bascmales were crossed to females of various genotypes including y and y mei-9 ^a ones. The crosses involving y females yielded F₁ progeny with high spontaneous lethality, whereas in F₂, the frequency of spontaneous mutations was twice higher. The germ cell response to EMS depended also on female genotype: the effect of yellow resulted in increased embryonic and postembryonic lethality, whereas the RSLLM frequency decreased insignificantly. The latter result may be explained by elimination of some mutations due to 50% mortality of the progeny F₁. The results obtained using the above two approaches suggest that theyellow locus has a pleiotropic effect on the DNA repair systems in both males and females of Drosophila.     

Tests of two models for the transmission of the Mu mutator in maize

Summary The mutator system Mu does not follow a typical Mendelian mode of transmission. In outcrosses in which 50 per cent mutator plants are expected, about 90 per cent are observed. Two possible models of transmission are tested. One assumes that Mu has segregation distortion activity such as has been described for the SD locus in Drosophila. The second model assumes an extra-chromosomal factor that is transmitted through the cytoplasm. No evidence of SD activity was found. Mutation frequencies in lines in which Mu was transmitted through the female were not greater than the frequencies observed when Mu was transmitted through the male; as might be expected on some models of cytoplasmic transmission. Thus, cytoplasmic transmission was not established. Other possible models of extrachromosomal inheritance that might not be detected by reciprocal crosses are discussed.     

Occurrence of 2n pollen and ps gene frequencies in cultivated groups and their related wild species in tuber-bearing Solanums

Summary The gene frequency for parallel spindles (ps) was estimated from the frequency of plants producing 2n pollen in three cultivated groups: 2x Phureja (phu), 2x Stenotomum (stn), and 4x Andigena (adg), as well as in four related wild taxa: 2x Solanum brevicaule (brc), 2x S. sparsipilum (spl), 4x S. gourlayi (grl) and 4x S. gourlayi-S. infundibuliforme hybrids (grl-ifd). Plants with more than 1% large pollen were considered as 2n pollen producers. Observations of meiosis in a sample of 2n pollen-producing plants indicated that parallel spindles is the mechanism of 2n pollen formation. The number of plants with 2n pollen among the total examined was 228 plants (15.5%) of 1,473 in 2x spl, 31 (26.7%) of 116 in 2x brc, 92 (17.4%) of 528 in 2x stn, 665 (22.1%) of 3,008 in 2x phu, 731 (51.4%) of 1,421 in 4x adg, 591 (41.2%) of 1,436 in 4x grl, and 36 (64.3%) out of 56 in 4x grl-ifd. The ps gene frequencies assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were: 0.393 for 2x spl, 0.462 for 2x brc, 0.417 for 2x stn, 0.470 for 2x phu, 0.847 for 4x adg, 0.801 for 4x grl, and 0.895 for 4x grl-ifd. Twenty-five adg clones were randomly selected from a large population and were crossed with 2x clone W5295.7, which produces 2n pollen by parallel spindles (ps). The 4x progenies from 4x×2x crosses were used to determine the genotypes at the ps locus by screening 10–20 plants in each family for 2n pollen. Based on chromosome segregation at the ps locus, 9, 14, 1, and 1 clones were nulliplex, simplex, simplex or duplex, and duplex, respectively. The frequency of the ps gene in the adg population was estimated to be 0.825 and 0.815 for chromosome and chromatid segregation, respectively. The high frequencies of 2n pollen and the ps gene in cultivated 2x and 4x groups, and in wild taxa closely related to them, provide evidence for sexual polyploidization in the tuber-bearing Solanums.Paper No. 3032 from the Laboratory of Genetics. Research supported by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; International Potato Center; USDA, SEA, CGRO 84-CRCR-1-1389; and Frito Lay, Inc.     

An embryogenic cell line of maize from A188 (Minnesota) contains Mu1-like elements

The maize inbred line A188 is popularly used for the production of embryogenic cell lines. A188, maintained at the University of Minnesota, was found upon molecular analysis to contain 2 to 4 copies of a DNA sequence very similar in structure to transposable Mu1 elements, which have been implicated in Robertson's Mutator system. These Mu1-like elements are in the same chromosomal locations in sibling plants and in A188 cell cultures derived from them. This suggests that the elements are in an inactive state and do not undergo transposition. However, we have observed that they are not modified at the target sites for certain restriction endonucleases. Possible causes for the apparent lack of transposition of these Mu1-like elements in these A188 lines are discussed. Inasmuch as the elements do not transpose, they must be maintained in this line as homozygous Mendelian elements by self-pollination.Journal paper no. J-12269 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa 50011. Project 2707.     

A somaclonal variant of wheat with additional β-amylase isozymes

Summary The progeny of 149 plants regenerated from tissue culture of immature wheat (Triticum aestivum) embryos were screened for variation in their grain -amylase isozyme pattern. One regenerant was found which was heterozygous for a variant pattern characterized by the presence of at least five new isozyme bands, as well as an increased intensity in existing bands in two more positions. The F₂ of a homozygous variant crossed back to the parent segregated in an approximate 31 ratio but resolution of the gels was not sufficient to distinguish whether this represents a dominant or co-dominant single mutant gene. No chromosome abnormalities were evident in mitosis or meiosis of the homozygous variant or in the F₁ of the variant crossed back to the parent. No recombination has been seen between the variant bands and production of multiple bands from a single locus is consistent with the nature of the known -amylase loci. However, the variant bands were not evident in a survey of 111 diverse genotypes, nor were they present in developing grain of the parent cultivar. Therefore, this variant could represent a rare mutation leading to expression of a currently unexpressed locus.     

Statistical genetic considerations for maintaining germ plasm collections

One objective of the regeneration of genetic populations is to maintain at least one copy of each allele present in the original population. Genetic diversity within populations depends on the number and frequency of alleles across all loci. The objectives of this study on outbreeding crops are: (1) to use probability models to determine optimal sample sizes for the regeneration for a number of alleles at independent loci; and (2) to examine theoretical considerations in choosing core subsets of a collection. If we assume that k-1 alleles occur at an identical low frequency of p₀ and that the k^th allele occurs at a frequency of 1-[(k-1)p₀], for loci with two, three, or four alleles, each with a p₀ of 0.05, 89–110 additional individuals are required if at least one allele at each of 10 loci is to be retained with a 90% probability; if 100 loci are involved, 134–155 individuals are required. For two, three, or four alleles, when p₀ is 0.03 at each of 10 loci, the sample size required to include at least one of the alleles from each class in each locus is 150–186 individuals; if 100 loci are involved, 75 additional individuals are required. Sample sizes of 160–210 plants are required to capture alleles at frequencies of 0.05 or higher in each of 150 loci, with a 90–95% probability. For rare alleles widespread throughout the collection, most alleles with frequencies of 0.03 and 0.05 per locus will be included in a core subset of 25–100 accessions.     

Genetic studies on free-ranging macaques of Cay Santiago. II. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and NADH-methemoglobin reductase (NADH-diaphorase).

For the population of 395 semi-free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that inhabited Cayo Santiago in 1976, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase phenotypes of 378 animals were determined. Three phenotypes, controlled by two autosomal codominant alleles,PGD^A andPGD^B, were found by electrophoretic methods. The frequencies of the alleles are 0.898 and 0.102, respectively. The population, composed of five troops and peripheral males, is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at this locus. The allele frequencies at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus in the population in 1976 were compared with frequencies in 1973; a statistically significant difference was found in one troop. The phenotypes of NADH-methemoglobin reductase (NADH-diaphorase) were determined electrophoretically for 372 animals. These phenotypes are probably the products of two autosomal codominant alleles,Dia¹ andDia², with frequencies of 0.786 and 0.214, respectively. The population is in equilibrium at this locus also. Tests of homogeneity at the dehydrogenase and reductase loci indicate that the allele frequencies are significantly different among the five troops in the population. Observed and expected phenotypic ratios in progeny were compared at the dehydrogenase and the reductase loci. The only significant deviation from expectation occurs among offspring of mothers heterozygous at the reductase locus. The observed distributions of alleles at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus and the NADH-methemoglobin reductase locus are probably the results of stochastic processes.     

GENETICS OF MIMICRY IN THE TIGER SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLIES,PAPILIO GLAUCUS AND P. CANADENSIS (LEPIDOPTERA: PAPILIONIDAE)

The tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus, exhibits a female-limited polymorphism for Batesian mimicry; the Canadian tiger swallowtail, Papilio canadensis, lacks the mimetic (dark) form entirely. The species hybridize to a limited extent where their ranges overlap. Field collections and censuses indicate that mimetic females occur throughout the range of P. glaucus but at lowest frequencies in populations at the latitudinal edges of its geographic range such as the southernmost part of Florida and along the entire northern edge of its distribution from Massachusetts to Minnesota. Frequencies of mimetic females have remained relatively stable over time. Inheritance of the mimetic form is controlled primarily by two interacting sex-linked loci. The typical matrilineal pattern of inheritance in P. glaucus can be explained by polymorphism at a Y-linked locus, b. Analysis of P. glaucus × P. canadensis crosses has also revealed an X-linked locus, s, which controls the expression of the mimetic phenotype. The P. canadensis allele, s^can, suppresses the mimetic phenotype in hybrid and backcross females. Results from more than 12 yr of rearing tiger swallowtails, including interspecies hybrids, indicate that the absence of mimetic P. canadensis females is due to both a high frequency of the “suppressing” allele s^can and low frequency of the black-pigment-determining b + allele. The frequency of s^can (or other suppressing alleles of s) in P. glaucus populations outside the hybrid zone is low. Some males heterozygous at the s locus and some suppressed mimetic females occur within the hybrid zone. A simple genetic model predicts the frequency of daughters that differ in phenotype from their mothers.     

The locus Om,responsible for the DDK syndrome,maps close to Sigje on mouse Chromosome 11

The DDK inbred strain of mouse has a striking particularity: when DDK females are crossed to males of other strains they exhibit a reduced fertility, whereas the reciprocal crosses (non-DDK females x DDK males) are fertile (Wakasugi et al. 1967; Wakasugi 1973). The low fertility results from an early embryonic lethality, the F₁ embryos dying near the late morula-early blastocyst stage. Genetic analyses (Wakasugi 1974) and nuclear and cytoplasmic transfers (Renard and Babinet 1986; Babinet et al. 1990; Mann 1986), have shown that the failure of the embryos to develop is due to an incompatibility between a DDK maternally encoded cytoplasmic product and the non-DDK paternal genome. In order to elucidate the genetic determinism of this embryonic lethality, we have analyzed the fertility of male progeny from a backcross BALB/c females x (BALB/c x DDK)F₁ males and that of males from a set of recombinant inbred (RI) strains, established from DDK and BALB/c progenitors, when mated with DDK females. Our results indicate that a single locus, Om, is responsible for the DDK syndrome and is located on Chromosome (Chr) 11, very close to the Sigje locus.     

Identification and physical characterization of yeast glucoamylase structural genes

Summary Each one of at least three unlinked STA loci (STA1, STA2 and STA3), in the genome of Saccharomyces diastaticus controls starch hydrolysis by coding for an extracellular glucoamylase. Cloned STA2 sequences were used as hybridization probes to investigate the physical structure of the family of STA genes in the genomes of different Saccharomyces strains. Sta⁺ strains, each carrying a single genetically defined STA locus, were crossed with a Sta^– strain and the segregation behavior of the functional locus (i.e. Sta⁺) and sequences homologous to a cloned STA2 glucoamylase structural gene at that locus were analyzed. The results indicate that in all strains examined there is a multiplicity of sequences that are homologous to STA2 DNA but that only the functional STA loci contain extensive 5 and 3 homology to each other and can be identified as residing on unique fragments of DNA; that all laboratory yeast strains examined contain extensive regions of the glucoamylase gene sequences at or closely linked to the STA1 chromosomal position; that the STA1 locus contains two distinct glucoamylase gene sequences that are closely linked to each other; and that all laboratory strains examined also contain another ubiquitous sequence that is not allelic to STA1 and is nonfunctional (Sta^–), but has retained extensive sequence homology to the 5 end of the cloned STA2 gene. It was also determined that the DEX genes (which control dextrin hydrolysis in S. diastaticus), MAL5 (a gene once thought to control maltose metabolism in yeast) and the STA genes are allelic to each other in the following manner: STA1 and DEX2, STA1 and MAL5, and STA2 and DEX1 and STA3 and DEX3.     

Reactivation of the Mutator transposable element system following gamma irradiation of seed

Summary The bz2-mu1 allele contains a 1.4 kb Mu element insertion in the open reading frame of the bronze-2 locus. This insertion suppresses gene activity. In an active Mutator line, however, the bz2-mu1 allele shows high somatic instability resulting in numerous purple spots of full gene activity against a beige background in the aleurone tissue of the kernel; restoration of gene activity results from excision of the Mu element. In contrast, in plants with an inactive Mutator system, uniformly bronze kernels are found, and the Mu element at bz2-mu1 is stabilized. Accompanying a loss of somatic instability, this Mu element, as well as the Mu elements elsewhere in the genome, have an increased level of DNA modification. Spontaneous reactivation of somatic instability in inactive Mutator lines rarely occurs; however, reactivation can be induced with gamma irradiation. Reactivated plants regain both the spotted kernel phenotype indicative of element excision from the bz2-mu1 reporter allele and diagnostic restriction sites within the Mu elements indicative of a hypomethylated state. The reactivated plants transmit these characters to their progeny. These data support the hypothesis that genomic shock can elicit cryptic transposable element activities in maize. Possible mechanisms for inactivation and reactivation of the Mutator transposable element system are also discussed.     

Preferential mutagenesis of lacZ integrated at unique sites in the Escherichia coli chromosome

To study the variation in spontaneous mutation frequencies in different chromosomal domains, a mini-Mu-kan-lacZ ⁻transposable element was constructed to insert the lacZ ⁻(Trp570 → Opal) allele into many different loci in the Escherichia coli chromosome. Papillation on MacConkey lactose plates was used to screen for mini-Mu insertion mutants with elevated levels of spontaneous mutagenesis of lacZop → LacZ⁺ candidates were then screened for normal mutation frequencies in other genes. Two different insertion mutants with this enhanced mutagenesis phenotype were isolated from 14 000 colonies, and named plm-1 (preferential lacZmutagenesis) and plm-2. The frequency of LacZ⁻→ LacZ⁺ mutations in these plm mutants was over 400-fold higher than that in isogenic strains containing mini-Mu-kan-lacZop insertions at other loci. Six Lac⁺ reversion (or suppression) mutations obtained from each of the two plm mutants were mapped by P1 transduction and all were found to be linked to the Kan^r gene in the mini-Mu-kan-lacZop, suggesting that a localized mutagenic event is responsible for the preferential mutagenesis. Furthermore, both the LacZ⁺→ LacZ⁻and Kan^r→ Kan^s mutant frequencies of these Lac⁺ revertants were in the range of 10⁻³ to 10⁻², indicating that this putative localized mutagenesis is neither allele nor gene specific. To identify the plm loci, the chromosomal regions flanking the mini-Mu insertion sites were cloned and sequenced. A computer-assisted database search of homologous sequences revealed that the plm-1 locus is identical to the mutS gene; the mini-Mu insertion most probably results in the production of a truncated MutS protein. We suggest that the enhanced lacZ mutation frequency in plm-1 may be associated with an active process involving the putative truncated MutS protein. The DNA sequence of the plm-2 locus matched a putative malate oxidoreductase gene located at 55.5 min of the E. coli chromosome. Received: 1 August 1996 / Accepted: 3 April 1997     

Germinal Excision and Reinsertion Frequencies of the Mobile Element Ds Transposed from Two Unlinked T-DNA Loci in Tomato

Acceptor sites of unlinked transposed Ds element from two T-DNA loci in tomato were mapped. Experimental data obtained from TC₁ progeny testing were employed for estimation of germinal excision frequency (GEF) of Ds element and frequency of its reinsertion (FR). The donor T-DNAs 1481J and 1601D, containing a 35S:NPT transformation marker, a 35S:BAR or nos:BAR excision marker conferring phosphinothricine resistance and a Ds element in the 5 untranslated leader of the nos (or 35S): BAR gene, were located on chromosome 7 and 8, respectively. Ds transposition was induced by 105121 T-DNA carrying stabilized Ac (sAc) which provides a source of transposase and 2:GUS marker conferring -glucuronidase activity. Tomato plants harbouring the Ds in 1481J or 1601D locus and sAc were crossed and F₁D, were crossed individually as seed parents to wild-type plants to generate TC₁ progenies. TC₁ seed was germinated on phosphinothricine (Basta)-containing medium, and individual seedlings carrying a transposed Ds and lacking sAc were identified by PCR (to detect the Ds) on phosphinothricine resistant individuals that lacked -glucuronidase activity. From segregation ratio in TC₁ the germinal excision and reinsertion frequencies of the Ds element were estimated for individual F₁ plants. A total of 14560 TC₁ seedlings of 1481J and 16195 TC₁ seedlings of 1601D was analyzed. We observed high variation between individual plants as regards both GEF and FR despite of donor locus (1481J or 1601D), however, the average germinal excision frequencies as well as average frequencies of reinsertion were very similar for both donor loci: GEF_1481J = 24 %, GEF_1501D = 25 %, FR_1481J = 42 %, FR_1601D = 46 %.     

Isolation and characterization of temperature sensitive mutants of cyanophage LPP-1

Summary Spontaneous temperature sensitive (ts) mutants of cyanophage LPP-1 were isolated from the wild population of the virus upto a frequency of 1.7x10^-3. The reversion frequencies were 1.3x10^-4 or even less which appeared to be a clonal property. A detailed investigation of the two mutants showed that they were unable to grow at non-permissive temperature and the temperature sensitive phase lasted for 2–3 h during their intracellular growth as judged by the shift-up and down experiments. The mutants differed from the wild phage in being more sensitive to photodynamic inactivation and EDTA shock. They showed high frequency towards rapid lysis mutation following exposure of free phage particles to high temperature.     

X-ray-induced recombination during oogenesis in the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

Summary The physical induction of recombinational events has been studied in the female silkworm (Bombyx mori), in which crossing-over does not normally occur. Female silkworms heterozygous in the trans type of two egg-color genes,pe (V-0.0) andre (V-31.7), received a single dose of X-rays (1000 R) at various developmental stages. Then they were crossed to marked males homozygous for both genes. The results indicated that X-rays increase the occurrence of recombinational events in silkworm females from first instar larvae to late stage pupae. The spontaneous frequency of exchange type recombinants in the control series was 2.5 x 10^–5, while after irradiation the frequency of these recombinants was up to 38.8 x^10–5. The sensitive stage to X-ray-induced recombinational events was late stage larvae from fourth to fifth instar. Exchange (cross-over) type recombinants were about three times more frequent than interchange types among the 122 recombinants recovered. The biological significance of the present finding is discussed.     

High frequncies of fertilization and embryo formation in hexaploid wheat x Tripsacum dactyloides crosses

The Hexaploid wheat variety Fukuho was crossed with Tripsacum dactyloides (2n=4x=72). The total fertilization frequencies for the egg cell, polar nuclei, and both, were 58.3%, 26.8% and 58.9% of the 168 ovaries examined. However, the fertilization frequency of single polar nuclei was much lower at only 0.6%. The total frequency of fertilization was higher than that in wheat x maize crosses. A total of 49 hexaploid wheat varieties, including Hope carrying the dominant genes Kr1 and Kr2, were crossed with T. dactyloides, and most gave embryos. The embryoformation frequencies ranged from 0.5% to 59.0%. A higher frequency of 32.0% embryo formation was obtained following pollination of the variety Hope. In comparison with embryo formation in wheat x maize crosses the difference of embryo-formation frequencies between the two crosses was significant. The results of high frequencies of fertilization and embryo formation in wheat x T. dactyloides crosses indicated that the Kr genes are as inactive in wheat x T. dactyloides, as they are in wheat x maize crosses, and also that the efficiency of fertilization and embryo formation is higher in wheat x T. dactyloides than in what x maize crosses. The potential of wheat x T. dactyloides crosses for wheat haploid production and wheat improvement is discussed.     

Regulation of Mu element copy number in maize lines with an active or inactive Mutator transposable element system

Summary In the progeny of an active Mutator plant, the number of Mu elements increases on self-pollination and maintains the average parental Mu content on outcrossing to a non-Mutator line; both patterns of transmission require an increase in the absolute number of Mu elements from one generation to the next. The same average copy number of Mu elements is transmitted through the male and female, but there is wide variation in the absolute copy number among the progeny. In inactive Mutator plants —defined both by the loss of somatic instability at a reporter gene (bronze2-mu1) and by modification of the HinfI sites in the terminal inverted repeat sequences of Mu elements —the absolute copy number of Mu elements is fixed in the parent. Thus, in outcrosses Mu element number is halved, and on self-pollination Mu copy number is constant. Reactivation of somatic mutability at cryptic bz2-mu1 alleles in inactive individuals by crossing to an active line seems not to involve an increase in Mu element copy number transmitted by the inactive individual. These and other results suggest that increases in Mu copy number occur late in plant development or in the gametophyte rather than after fertilization.     

Linkage between an incompatibility locus and a peroxidase isozyme locus (Prx 7) in rye

Summary Under controlled growth chamber conditions of 30 °C, seed set after selfing is possible in normally self-incompatible rye plants. Within selfed progenies produced by this method, plants homozygous at the peroxidase isozyme locus Prx 7 were crossed to heterozygous individuals. Segregation at the Prx 7 locus in progenies of these crosses provides clear evidence of a close linkage between Prx 7 and one of the two incompatibility loci in rye. A recombination fraction in the range of 0–2% was calculated from the segregation data. In rye, Prx 7 is linked with a phosphoglucoisomerase locus (Pgi). The similarity between the observations in Secale cereale and those made in Lolium perenne is discussed.