Articles tagged with Sex Determination
Researchers found a genetic process among rodents that challenges assumptions about sex determination and the pace of evolution. A novel protein domain added to the Sry gene acts as a genetic capacitor, providing protection against mutations but also allowing for rapid evolutionary change.
A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that insulin and IGF1/IGF2 growth factors play a vital role in sexual development. In the absence of these hormones, embryos fail to differentiate into male or female, highlighting their essential role in primary sex determination.
Researchers at Purdue University have found a naturally occurring mutation in corn that eliminates the need for detasseling, a labor-intensive process. The mutation, which affects brassinosteroids, results in plants that produce only female organs, including kernels where male tassels should be.
Researchers discovered B chromosomes causing female-biased sex-ratios in a species of cichlid fish from Lake Victoria. The study also identified multiple protein-coding genes in the B chromosomes, suggesting their role in sex determination.
Researchers identified a gene responsible for male production during environmental sex determination in Daphnia. The study suggests an ancient connection between genetic and environmental sex determination mechanisms.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals a genetic alteration, MAP3K1, responsible for disorders of sex determination (DSD). The discovery provides insight into the cause of DSDs and contributes to better management, including the importance of removing gonads early to prevent cancer.
Genetic sex determination allowed ancient marine reptiles to thrive in open oceans with live birth, freeing them from land-based nesting. This adaptation led to extreme physical changes and diversification of species.
Research shows that in one lizard species, bigger eggs tend to produce females and smaller eggs tend to produce males. This discovery contradicts the long-held assumption that genetic factors control sex determination in reptiles.
A study found that fish with temperature-dependent sex determination are more vulnerable to climate change, with increasing temperatures leading to a shift towards males. Small changes in temperature can significantly alter the sex ratio, compromising the viability of some fish populations.
A research team proposes that sexual conflict can establish novel sex-determination genes and sex chromosomes, explaining their rapid evolution. The model suggests that genes with sexually antagonistic effects and mutations influencing sex determination are common in nature.
A recent study published in The Lancet found a significant deficit of 0.59-0.74 million female births in India between 1997 and 2011. Researchers estimated that around 10 million girls were 'missing' due to prenatal sex determination and selective abortion, with educated mothers being at higher risk.