Studies on Metatherian Sex Chromosomes I. Inheritance and Inactivation of Sex-linked Allelic Genes determining Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Variation in Kangaroos

Abstract

Wallaroos (Macropus robustus robustus), which have the G6PD-F electrophoretic phenotype, crossed with euros (M. r. erubescens), ofG6PD-S phenotype, produced F 1 animals which had only the maternal G6PD type regardless of the direction of the cross. When F 1 hybrids were backcrossed to wallaroos or euros, backcross progeny of either parental phenotype resulted. Sex-linked inheritance of allelic G6PD genes is shown to occur in wallaroos, euros and red kangaroos (M. rufus). Dose compensation for X chromosomes at the G6PD locus in kangaroos is achieved by inactivation of the allele of male parental origin.