Distorter gene

Pronunciation
/dis-tor-ter jeen/
Category
Genetics
Singular
Distorter gene
Plural
Distorter genes

Definition

A gene located on the Y chromosome of certain mosquito species that causes a meiotic drive, resulting in an excess of male offspring.

Etymology

From the effect it has on sex ratio, causing a distortion of expected Mendelian inheritance.

Example

The Distorter gene in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes leads to a higher proportion of male offspring.

Related Terms