Segregation distorter in D. melanogaster males: An effect of female genotype on recovery

Summary Segregation Distorter (SD) is a gene affecting sperm recovery in Drosophila melanogaster. In a cross SD/SD ⁺ x SD⁺, the proportion of SD/SD ⁺ zygotes recovered (k) is larger than the 0.50 expected. Previous investigations have shown that the relative recovery of SD- and SD ⁺-bearing sperm is determined at or before the meiotic divisions. Evidence is presented here that k is influenced by the genotype of the female parent. It is suggested that the SD gene product causes a difference in the enzymatic or structural complement of the SD- and SD ⁺-bearing sperm which largely determines their relative functionality. The effect of the female genotype on recovery is interpreted as an interaction between this physiological difference and the environment of the female reproductive tract.Adapted from a dissertation presented by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This investigation was supported by PHS Training Grant No. GM 00337 and PHS Research Grant No. GM 12334 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.