Correlations between Chromosome Segments and Fitness in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. II. the X Chromosome and Egg Viability.

Unmarked segments within the X chromosomes of four different Drosophila melanogaster isogenic lines were assessed with respect to egg-to-adult viability. The results were compared with those of an earlier study involving egg production. All segments influence both traits, but to extents that are dependent upon the strains being compared. Segmental effects are also a function of the genetical background, which, in this case, constitutes material within the same chromosome. With respect to both traits, the segments are not necessarily parallel in their effects. A segment that increases fecundity, for example, may or may not augment viability. The possibility of manipulating chromosomal segments to improve "yield" in organisms is explored.