The X chromosome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has three specialized properties: it controls sex determination via the X/A ratio; X-linked genes are subject to dosage compensation; and it is under independent meiotic control. My previous work has focused on the relationship of sex determination to dosage compensation. This proposal describes a molecular study of dpy-26, an autosomal gene that affects all three of these properties, to understand how the properties are related. Two other autosomal genes that affect sex determination and dosage compensation, but not meiosis, will be studied for comparison to dpy-26. In addition, this proposal outlines a genetic and molecular analysis of two genes that specifically affect disjunction and recombination of the X chromosome, with no effect on the autosomes. We will use these genes to investigate the relationship among exchange, disjunction, and conversion on the X chromosome. We will also identify new mutations that specifically reduce or eliminate recombination on the X chromosome. In conjunction with the analysis of dpy-26, analysis of these genes will likely contribute to the understanding of both the general mechanisms of meiosis and the chromosome-specific mechanisms of meiosis.***//
