Evolutionary conservation of large chromosomal segments reflected in mammalian gene maps

Abstract

Conservation of genetic linkage over long periods of time is exemplifted. Comparisons are made between chromosomal regions in different species as well as within two species, man and the house mouse. Homologous regions are defined and the phenomenon of differential silencing of genes is described. The importance of conservation of particular sequences of genes is discussed in relation to medical genetics, animal breeding, evolutionary theory and genetic regulation.