ELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSIS OF GENETIC VARIATION IN THE CHAROPHYTA. I. GENE DUPLICATION VIA POLYPLOIDY1

Electrophoretic analysis of 12 species of Chara indicates that functional gene duplication via polyploidy has commonly occurred in the genus. Duplication has been followed by differentiation of the loci encoding phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI). This has led directly to generation of substantial levels of genie variation both within and between taxa. A simple genetic model is proposed to account for the large array of PGI phenotypes encountered in natural populations. Constraints imposed by the reproductive biology of members of the genus, such as selfing, appear to have resulted in selective premiums on intrinsic mechanisms of generating genetic variation. Levels of variation in PGI were higher than would be predicted on the basis of charophyte reproductive characteristics; haploid loci segregate approximately two alleles within each species.