Summary
Modification of position-effect variegation by chromosomal rearrangements was studied in single and double inversion strains of Drosophila melanogaster.
When In(1)mK, which causes miniature variegation, and In(2LR)RevB, which causes Revolute variegation, were combined in a non-coisogenic background, miniature variegation increased and Revolute variegation decreased.
Introduction of each inversion independently into a coisogenic Amherst background resulted in increased levels of variegation in both strains. When the inversions were combined, the interaction between mk and RevB was essentially the same as that in the non-coisogenic background.
Revolute variegation was not affected by combining In(2LR)RevB with In(1)d1–49, an inversion which does not cause position-effect variegation.
Low culture temperature enhanced variegation; the magnitude of the effect was related to genetic background.
Observations are compatible with the conclusion that interaction between rearranged non-homologous chromosomes modifies variegation only when the rearrangements themselves cause variegation.
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Wargent, J., Hartmann-Goldstein, I. Phenotypic observations on modification of position-effect variegation in Drosophila melanogaster. Heredity 33, 317–326 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1974.98
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1974.98