Similar to how the model of centromere drive explains the size and complexity of centromeres in monocentrics (organisms with localized centromeres), our model of holokinetic drive is consistent with the divergent evolution of chromosomal size and number in holocentrics (organisms with nonlocalized centromeres) exhibiting holokinetic meiosis (holokinetics). Holokinetic drive is proposed to facilitate chromosomal fission and/or repetitive DNA removal (or any segmental deletion) when smaller homologous chromosomes are preferentially inherited or chromosomal fusion and/or repetitive DNA proliferation (or any segmental duplication) when larger homologs are preferred. The hypothesis of holokinetic drive is supported primarily by the negative correlation between chromosome number and genome size that is documented in holokinetic lineages. The supporting value of two older cross-experiments on holokinetic structural heterozygotes (the rush Luzula elegans and butterflies of the genus Antheraea) that indicate the presence of size-preferential homolog transmission via female meiosis for holokinetic drive is discussed, along with the further potential consequences of holokinetic drive in comparison with centromere drive.

Department of Botany and Zoology Faculty of Science Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

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Complex patterns of ploidy in a holocentric plant clade (Schoenus, Cyperaceae) in the Cape biodiversity hotspot

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Insights into the karyotype and genome evolution of haplogyne spiders indicate a polyploid origin of lineage with holokinetic chromosomes

Evolution of genome size and genomic GC content in carnivorous holokinetics (Droseraceae)

Absence of positive selection on CenH3 in Luzula suggests that holokinetic chromosomes may suppress centromere drive

CenH3 evolution reflects meiotic symmetry as predicted by the centromere drive model

Flow cytometry may allow microscope-independent detection of holocentric chromosomes in plants

Dynamic karyotype evolution and unique sex determination systems in Leptidea wood white butterflies