Another explanation for the cause of heterosis phenomenon

J Genet. 2016 Dec;95(4):1065-1072. doi: 10.1007/s12041-016-0694-2.

Abstract

The explanation for heterosis phenomenon is based on ideas: (i) every trait of an organism depends on many genes. (ii) Inbreeding depression and heterosis are related to individual genetic diversity. To assess individual genetic diversity of an organism, I suggest the term number of genetic properties. Assessing the changes of individual genetic diversity caused by self-pollination and cross-pollination reveals that self-pollinating plants of natural cross-pollinating leads to the decrease in individual genetic diversity of offspring and crossing between pure lines of genetic difference leads to the increase in individual genetic diversity of hybrids. Therefore, I propose that the decrease in individual genetic diversity is the cause the of depression and the increase in individual genetic diversity is the cause of heterosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Genes, Recessive
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Heterogeneity*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Hybrid Vigor / genetics*
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • Inbreeding Depression
  • Models, Genetic
  • Phenotype
  • Plants / genetics
  • Quantitative Trait Loci
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable