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Nature 441, 413-414 (25 May 2006) | doi:10.1038/441413a; Published online 24 May 2006

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Genetics: Paramutable possibilities

Paul D. Soloway1

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A curious genetic phenomenon allows certain genetic instructions to be passed between generations without the gene variants involved being transmitted. Some spotty mice provide clues to how this might happen.

One of the benefits of sex is that our parents give us two copies of nearly all our genes. So if one copy, or allele, doesn't work, there is a good chance that the other, operating independently, will be sufficient.

  1. Paul D. Soloway is in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
    Email: pds28@cornell.edu