An analysis of polygenes affecting wing shape on chromosome 2 in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetic effects on an index of wing shape on chromosome 2 of Drosophila melanogaster were mapped using isogenic recombinants with transposable element markers. At least 10 genes with small additive effects are dispersed evenly along the chromosome. Many interactions exist, with only small net effects in homozygous recombinants and little effect on phenotypic variance. Heterozygous chromosome segments show almost no dominance. Pleiotropic effects on leg shape are only minor. At first view, wing shape genes form a rather homogeneous class, but certain complexities remain unresolved.