Intragenomic bet-hedging

Genetica. 2011 Aug;139(8):1019-21. doi: 10.1007/s10709-011-9603-z. Epub 2011 Aug 28.

Abstract

The notion of intragenomic bet-hedging is introduced by modeling a system where one locus is seen as setting the "environment" for selection in a two-locus genetic system. Using a spatially structured simulation model I show that bet-hedging alleles with a lower mean fitness and lower variance of fitness across genotypes at a different locus can go to fixation, potentially providing a mechanism for the reduction of severe heterozygote advantage.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Environment
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Genetic Fitness / genetics*
  • Genetic Loci / genetics
  • Genome / genetics*
  • Heterozygote
  • Models, Genetic*