Supermodel Aussie finches do a sexy DNA swap at hotspots like we do

[PhysOrg]

When we mammals produce egg and sperm, our chromosomes like to swap bits of DNA so that our children actually possess new genetic combinations, helping to keep our genetics diverse and our species healthy. These DNA swapping events tend to occur in 'hotspots' in mammals because of a protein called PRDM9 that assists the swapping process in these areas. Now, an international study with Macquarie researchers, being published in the journal Science, has found that two different species of Australian finch share similar DNA swapping hotspots as well, even though they lack the PRDM9 protein.

 

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