Abstract
The sex-determining region gene (SRY) is a recently discovered candidate for the mammalian testis determining factor (TDF). The gene appears to form part of a family with several autosomal representatives. I have investigated the occurrence of SRY-related sequences in birds. The polymerase chain reaction was used to isolate six homologues of the conserved motif of the SRY gene from the lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus). Female unique copies of the motif are apparently absent. Sequence similarity and phylogenetic parsimony methods suggest that, irrespective of avian or mammalian origin, SRY-type sequences fall into two subfamilies. This is consistent with the presence of two archetypal genes in an ancestor common to both taxonomic classes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.