Several lines of evidence are presented which suggest that sequence G
+ C content and recombination frequency are related in mammals: (i) ch
romosome G + C content is positively correlated to chiasmata density;
(ii) the non-pairing region of the Y chromosome has one of the lowest
G + C contents of any chromosomal segment; (iii) a reduction in the ra
te of recombination at several loci is mirrored by a decrease in G + C
content; and (iv) when compared with humans, mice have a lower varian
ce in chiasmata density which is reflected in a lower variance in G C content. The observed relation between recombination frequency and s
equence G + C content provides an elegant explanation of why gene dens
ity is higher in G + C rich isochores than in other parts of the genom
e, and why long interspersed elements (LINES) are exclusive to G + C p
oor isochores. However, the cause of the relation is as yet unknown. S
everal possibilities are considered, including gene conversion.