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Gene segregation in autotetraploids

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Summary

Three main theories of autotetraploid segregation have been propounded, the Muller hypothesis based on the random assortment of chromosomes at meiosis, the Haldane hypothesis based on the random assortment of chromatids, and the Mather hypothesis in which the ratios are considered to be not fixed but varying according to the amount of quadrivalent formation and the distance of a gene from the centromere. The first two hypotheses are special cases of the last, which is, in general, the most satisfactory for explaining observed data.

While many autotetraploids do not lend themselves readily to genetic analysis, due to sterility, chromosome differentiation or lack of good genetic characters, fairly extensive studies have been carried out on the autotetraploid genetics of ten species in as many genera.

The cytological variables that affect autotetraploid segregation are mode of pairing, formation of quadrivalents, and number and position of chiasmata. In progenies unaffected by variables other than these, it is possible to gain an estimate of the position of the gene involved with respect to the centromere.

Differential viability markedly affects some of the autotetraploid ratios, and can account for some of the discrepancies between observed data and expectancies.

Incomplete dominance is a more common phenomenon among tetraploids than among diploids, due to the greater number of genotypes possible for any given pair of factors.

On account of striking differences between the genetics of diploids and tetraploids, plant breeding procedures applicable to diploids must frequently be modified in dealing with tetraploids.

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  1. Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. Agr., USA

    Thomas M. Little

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Little, T.M. Gene segregation in autotetraploids. Bot. Rev 11, 60–85 (1945). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02861164

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