A subvital gene inRana pipienslinked to the Burnsi locus

Abstract

SUMMARYA cross of a leopard frog heterozygous for the dominant Burnsi gene (B/ +) with a wild-type (+ / +) resulted in a large excess ofB/ + progeny. Two descendent lines established by theseB/ + progeny are characterized by excess +/ + progeny. These seemingly contradictory data are reconciled by postulating the existence of a dominant subvital gene (Sbv) linked to the + allele of Burnsi in the initial cross. Progeny used to establish subsequent lines were recombinants withSbvlinked toB. This proposed linkage would constitute the first case of linkage between two mutant loci in anuran amphibians.