Evolutionary conservatism in the arrangement of autosomal gene loci in mammals

The effects of chromosomal rearrangements on gene function and mutation are poorly understood. Although the extensive conservation of autosomal linkage among diverse mammals may indicate physiological significance for some gene arrangements, the majority of linkages have probably been conserved by chance. The establishment of a Chinese hamster gene map has provided further evidence for the conservation of mammalian autosomal linkage and the study of gene rearrangements in cultured Chinese hamster cell lines is beginning to provide information on the genetic consequences of chromosomal rearrangements.