A New Gene Theory and an Explanation of the Phenomenon of Dominance to Mendelian Segregation of the Cytogene

Abstract

It is argued that the locus (chromogene) is a place of attachment for the cytogene, which is an entity capable of self-duplication in the cytoplasm. A cell containing the dominant gene is capable of fermenting a specific carbohydrate, thus indicating that it is capable of releasing the cytogene. The cytogene may be transferred through the cytoplasm to recessive cells and these contaminated recessive cells are also capable of fermenting a carbohydrate. A cytoplasmic character exhibited Mendelian segregation in expts. in which a contaminated recessive hybrid underwent reduction. Thus the theory holds that the gene is dual, consisting of 2 self-duplicating entities: a chromogene to which cytogenes are attached; and the cytogene which multiplies independently in the cytoplasm. Other phenomena, including mutation, are considered in the light of the theory.