Simulation of the effect of population size on the evolution of the recombination fraction

Abstract

A study, by means of computer simulation, has been performed on the evolution of recombination rate modifier genes in a system with three diallelic loci (A, B and C). The locus C, selectively neutral, is responsible for the modification of the recombination fraction between the major loci (A and B) which are subjected to selection. Two models have been analysed, the modifier allele being recessive in one of them, and codominant in the other, with infinite and finite populations. Distinct initial genic frequencies of the major loci and different selection coefficients have been utilised. We have found that the frequency of the allele which favours recombination increases in finite populations, and decreases slightly in infinite populations. These results are consistent with previous theory; presumably, selection favours alleles reducing recombination between epistatically interacting loci in a infinite population, since this reduces the breakup of advantageous combinations of alleles. However, in finite populations, selection favours the breakup of the random linkage disequilibria which are produced by random drift.