The humble Y chromosome may be the smallest chromosome in the mammalian genome (and getting even smaller), but it is mighty: Genes on the Y chromosome are critical for fertility in males. In a new study in the journal Current Biology, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School have studied deer mice to outline how the Y chromosome defends itself against decay by acquiring gene families, holding its own to maintain fertility.

The humble Y chromosome may be the smallest chromosome in the mammalian genome (and getting even smaller), but it is mighty: Genes on the Y chromosome are critical for fertility in males. In a new study in the journal Current Biology, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School have studied deer mice to outline how the Y chromosome defends itself against decay by acquiring gene families, holding its own to maintain fertility.

From Biology News - Evolution, Cell theory, Gene theory, Microbiology, Biotechnology via This RSS Feed.