The Ka/Ks and πa/πs ratios under different models of gametophytic and sporophytic selection.

Abstract

Alternation of generations in plant life cycle provides a biological basis for natural selection occurring in either the gametophyte or the sporophyte phase, or in both. Divergent biphasic selection could yield distinct evolutionary rates for phase-specific or pleiotropic genes. Here we analyze models that deal with antagonistic and synergistic selection between alternative generations in terms of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous divergence (Ka/Ks). Effects of biphasic selection are opposite under antagonistic selection, but cumulative under synergistic selection for pleiotropic genes. Under the additive and comparable strengths of biphasic allelic selection, the absolute Ka/Ks for the gametophyte-gene is equal to in outcrossing but smaller than in a mixed mating system that for the sporophyte-gene under antagonistic selection. The same pattern is predicted for Ka/Ks under synergistic selection. Selfing reduces efficacy of gametophytic selection. Other processes, including pollen and seed flow and genetic drift, reduce selection efficacy. The polymorphism (πa) at a nonsynonymous site is affected by the joint effects of selfing with gametophytic or sporophytic selection. Likewise, the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous polymorphism (πa/πs) is also affected by the same joint effects. Gene flow and genetic drift have opposite effects on πa or πa/πs in interacting with gametophytic and sporophytic selection. We discuss implications of this theory for detecting natural selection in terms of Ka/Ks and for interpreting the evolutionary divergence among gametophyte-specific, sporophyte-specific, and pleiotropic genes.