Polymorphism for dimerizing ability at the esterase-5 locus in Drosophila pseudoobscura

Abstract

Three new alleles are reported at the esterase-5 locus of Drosophila pseudoobscura. All three of these alleles are different from those previously reported in their ability to dimerize. One allele will not form heterodimers or homodimers and exists only as a monomer. A second allele does form heterodimers but will not form homodimers. The third allele forms both hetero- and homodimers as well as forming monomers. Estimates of the frequency of these alleles in a natural population are given. The existence of these is discussed with respect to recently proposed models for a molecular mechanism for heterosis.