-transparent.png){kind=logo}
It has become increasingly evident that gene content of the sex chromosomes is markedly different from that of the autosomes. Both sex chromosomes appear enriched for genes related to sexual differentiation and reproduction; but curiously, the human X chromosome also seems to bear a preponderance of genes linked to brain and muscle functions. In this review, we will synthesize several evolutionary theories that may account for this nonrandom assortment of genes on the sex chromosomes, including 1) asexual degeneration, 2) sexual antagonism, 3) constant selection, and 4) hemizygous exposure. Additionally, we will speculate on how the evolution of sex-chromosome gene content might have impacted on the phenotypic evolution of mammals and particularly humans. Our discussion will focus on the mammalian sex chromosomes, but will cross reference other species where appropriate.
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
June 2006,
Current opinion in genetics & development,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
November 2019,
Molecular ecology,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
June 1961,
Science (New York, N.Y.),
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
January 1998,
Cytogenetics and cell genetics,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
January 1973,
Preparative biochemistry,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
December 1992,
Current opinion in genetics & development,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
February 2019,
Molecular cell,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
January 1994,
International review of cytology,
Eric J Vallender, and
Bruce T Lahn
January 2001,
Comptes rendus de l'Academie des sciences. Serie III, Sciences de la vie,
