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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
05:39
Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: December 2, 2022
3.3K
Evolution of haploid selection in predominantly diploid organisms
Sarah P Otto1, Michael F Scott2, Simone Immler3
1Department of Zoology & Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4; otto@zoology.ubc.ca.
Summary
Diploid organisms control haploid selection. Maternal control strengthens haploid selection to reduce offspring mutation load, while paternal control masks mutations, creating a conflict over gamete competition.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Diploid organisms regulate selection on haploid gametes (sperm/pollen).
- Animals limit haploid selection by providing diploid complements, while plants allow extensive haploid genome expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the evolution of genes controlling haploid selection strength.
- To predict conditions that intensify or dampen gamete competition.
- To understand maternal and paternal influences on haploid selection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of evolutionary models tracking gene evolution.
- Modeling the strength of haploid selection under different genetic scenarios.
- Investigating maternal and paternal control mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Maternal control strengthens haploid selection to minimize offspring mutation load.
- Ploidally antagonistic selection leads mothers to reduce haploid selection.
- Paternal evolution favors maximum masking of mutations in gametes.
Conclusions:
- Maternal control results in maximized or intermediate haploid selection based on mutation rate and antagonistic selection.
- A conflict exists between maternal and paternal strategies regarding haploid selection.
- Empirical studies are needed to clarify the extent of haploid selection in diploid organisms.
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