TECHNICAL NOTE

A critique of avian CHD-based molecular sexing protocols illustrated by a Z-chromosome polymorphism detected in auklets

  1. Deborah A. Dawson,
  2. Steven Darby,
  3. Fiona M. Hunter†,
  4. Andrew P. Krupa,
  5. Ian L. Jones‡,
  6. Terry Burke*

Article first published online: 25 JAN 2002

DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-8278.2001.00060.x

Issue

Molecular Ecology Notes

Molecular Ecology Notes

Volume 1, Issue 3, pages 201–204, September 2001

Additional Information

How to Cite

Dawson, D. A., Darby, S., Hunter, F. M., Krupa, A. P., Jones, I. L. and Burke, T. (2001), A critique of avian CHD-based molecular sexing protocols illustrated by a Z-chromosome polymorphism detected in auklets. Molecular Ecology Notes, 1: 201–204. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-8278.2001.00060.x

Author Information

  1. Sheffield Molecular Genetics Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK

    Department of Biological Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK, *Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada.

* T. Burke. Fax: + 44 (0)114 2220002; E-mail: T.A.Burke@Sheffield.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 25 JAN 2002
  2. Article first published online: 25 JAN 2002
  3. Received 15 December 2000; revision accepted 5 February 2001

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Keywords:

  • Aethia;
  • Alcidae;
  • auklet;
  • CHD genes;
  • Laridae;
  • molecular sex determination

Abstract

The sexes of non-ratite birds can be determined routinely by PCR amplification of the CHD-Z and CHD-W genes. CHD-based molecular sexing of four species of auklets revealed the presence of a polymorphism in the Z chromosome. No deviation from a 1:1 sex ratio was observed among the chicks, though the analyses were of limited power. Polymorphism in the CHD-Z gene has not been reported previously in any bird, but if undetected it could lead to the incorrect assignment of sex. We discuss the potential difficulties caused by a polymorphism such as that identified in auklets and the merits of alternative CHD-based sexing protocols and primers.

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