Can segregation distortion influence gametic disequilibrium?

Abstract

SummaryThere are a number of reports of gametic disequilibrium between alleles causing segregation distortion (e.g.talleles inM. musculusandSDalleles inD. melanogaster) and linked loci. These observations have resulted in the conclusion by some researchers that segregation distortion may cause gametic disequilibrium. In this manuscript I have shown that (1) segregation distortion cannot generate gametic disequilibriumde novoand (2) because segregation distortion results in an excess of heterozygotes, the rate of decay of disequilibrium is faster than if segregation distortion were absent. Other factors, such as mutation or selection, appear to generate the observed disequilibrium, and extremely low recombination appears important in retarding its decay.