The Modeled Effects of Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility and Localized Gene Dispersal on Population Substructure

Abstract

This study examines the effects of gametophytic self-incompatibility and localized gene dispersal on population substructure. The variation in population substructure is calculated using a value of genetic differentiation, GST. The effects on population substructure are modeled using a computer simulation. This computer model calculates GST values. In comparing these values I have shown that the gametophytic self-incompatibility system substantially lowers the genetic differentiation of a population. I have also shown that this lowering of genetic differentiation is amplified with interdemic gene dispersal. The self-incompatibility system also increases the probability that mutations will survive in the population. These effects decrease the rate of inbreeding in the population, thereby increasing the genetic variation within a subpopulation and decreasing the genetic variation in the total population.