[A modifier of the Bg element of the Bg-rbg transposable element system of maize]

A modifier of the Bg autonomous element of the Bg-rbg system of transposable elements has been found in the genotype of the inbred maize strain 346. In the presence of this modifier (termed Mbg), the frequency of reversion of mutable allele o2-lf in combination with the Bg-lf element increases by 7-24 times. An increase in the Mbg dosage by three times increases the o2-lf reversion frequency by a factor of about two. The presence of Mbg and Bg-lf in the same genotype before meiosis is necessary for the expression of the Mbg modifying effect. The possible nature and mechanism of action of the novel modifier are discussed.