t-Alleles and the possibility of post-meiotic gene expression during mammalian spermatogenesis

Although there is strong evidence for post-meiotic RNA synthesis during spermatogenesis, definitive proof of haploid gene transcription is lacking. Segregation distortion in t-allele-bearing males provides evidence for post-meiotic gene expression since delayed mating experiments argue strongly that there are similar numbers of qualitatively different spermatozoa in ejaculates of males carrying moderately distorting t-alleles. Such post-meiotic transcription may not be infrequent but the intercellular bridges connecting spermatids would usually maintain gametic equivalence.