Can segregation distortion influence gametic disequilibrium?

Abstract

There are a number of reports of gametic disequilibrium between alleles causing segregation distortion (e.g. t alleles in M. musculus and SD alleles in D. 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 disequilibrium de novo and (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. © 1988, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.