IR HYBRID DYSGENESIS INCREASES THE FREQUENCY OF RECOMBINATION IN DROSOPHILA-MELANOGASTER

The I factor is a LINE-like transposable element responsible for the I -R system of hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Inducer str ains of this species contain several I factors whereas reactive strain s do not. I factors are stable in inducer strains, but transpose at hi gh frequency in the germ-line of females, known as SF females, produce d by crossing reactive females and inducer males. Various abnormalitie s occur in SF females, most of which result from this high rate of tra nsposition. We report here that recombination is increased in the germ -line of these females. This is a new characteristic of the I-R system of hybrid dysgenesis that might also be associated with transposition of the I factor.