On the genetics of hair direction in the guinea pig. I. Variability in the patterns found in combinations of the R and M loci

✍ Scribed by Wright, Sewall

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1949
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 1022 KB
• Volume: 112
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-104X
• DOI: 10.1002/jez.1401120206

✦ Synopsis

The formulation of principles of gene action in relation to morphological pattern is of primary importance both in relating genetics to the physiology of development and in relation to the theory of evolution. Certain broad generalizations have long been apparent. There is, however, much room for systematic study of the interactions of factors on specific developmental patterns. The purpose of the present series of papers is to discuss the actions and interactions of known sets of alleles and of certain unanalyzed genetic differences on the pattern of organization of the skin of the guinea pig, probably including its pattern of growth, that is indicated by hair direction. Two pairs of alleles (R,r ; M,m) have been known for a long time. The nature of the variability found in their combinations is the subject of the present paper.

T h e major effects of R,r aiad M , m I n the wild species of the genus Cavia and in smooth furred guinea pigs (C. porcellus), the hairs are, with minor exceptions, directed posteriorly over the body, toward the tips of 'This investigation was aided by a grant from the Wallace C. and Clara A. Abbott Memorial Fund of The University of Chicago.