Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance
Sex Chromosome
2:33 minutes
Problem 25
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionThe Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) lacks a Y chromosome, yet scientists at Hokkaido University in Japan have reported that key sex-determining genes continue to be expressed in this species. Provide possible explanations for why male differentiation can still occur in this mammalian species despite the absence of a Y chromosome.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sex Determination Mechanisms
Sex determination in mammals typically involves the presence of sex chromosomes, with the Y chromosome playing a crucial role in male differentiation. However, alternative mechanisms can exist, such as environmental factors or the presence of other genes that can influence sex determination, allowing for male characteristics to develop even in the absence of a Y chromosome.
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Sex Determination
Gene Expression and Regulation
Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, like proteins. In the case of the Amami spiny rat, key sex-determining genes may still be expressed through regulatory mechanisms that do not rely on the Y chromosome, suggesting that other genetic pathways can compensate for its absence.
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Penetrance and Expressivity
Evolutionary Adaptations
Evolutionary adaptations can lead to significant changes in reproductive strategies and sex determination systems in response to environmental pressures. The Amami spiny rat may have evolved alternative pathways for male differentiation, demonstrating the plasticity of genetic systems and the ability of species to adapt to unique ecological niches.
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Overview
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