Search for a Presentation
C12 - Determining how the Evolution of Polymorphic Y Chromosomes shapes reproductive interactions in Drosophila pseudoobscura
The evolution of sex chromosomes influences reproductive biology and genome evolution across species. In Drosophila pseudoobscura, the Y chromosome has a distinct origin compared to Drosophila melanogaster, with some ancestral Y-linked fertility genes now located on autosomes.
C12 - Determining how the Evolution of Polymorphic Y Chromosomes shapes reproductive interactions in Drosophila pseudoobscura
Mentor: Dean Castillo, Ph.D.
The evolution of sex chromosomes influences reproductive biology and genome evolution across species. In Drosophila pseudoobscura, the Y chromosome has a distinct origin compared to Drosophila melanogaster, with some ancestral Y-linked fertility genes now located on autosomes. Additionally, the Y chromosome exhibits polymorphism due to differences in transposable elements, raising questions about its role in male reproductive traits. This study investigates whether males with different Y chromosome genotypes exhibit fertility differences, measured as progeny production. Using carefully controlled fertility assays, virgin males and females were paired, and offspring were counted over a specified period.
