| First Author | Graves JA | Year | 1995 |
| Journal | Bioessays | Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 4 | Pages | 311-20 |
| PubMed ID | 7741724 | Mgi Jnum | J:26065 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:73687 | Doi | 10.1002/bies.950170407 |
| Citation | Graves JA (1995) The origin and function of the mammalian Y chromosome and Y-borne genes--an evolving understanding. Bioessays 17(4):311-20 |
| abstractText | Mammals have an XX:XY system of chromosomal sex determination in which a small heterochromatic Y controls male development. The Y contains the testis determining factor SRY, as well as several genes important in spermatogenesis. Comparative studies show that the Y was once homologous with the X, but has been progressively degraded, and now consists largely of repeated sequences as well as degraded copies of X linked genes. The small original X and Y have been enlarged by cycles of autosomal addition to one partner, recombination onto the other and continuing attrition of the compound Y. This addition-attrition hypothesis predicts that the pseudoautosomal region of the human X is merely the last relic of the latest addition. Genes (including SRY) on the conserved or added region of the Y evolved functions in male sex determination and differentiation distinct from the general functions of their X-linked partners. Although the gonadogenesis pathway is highly conserved in vertebrates, its control has probably changed radically and rapidly in vertebrate--even mammalian--evolution. |
