Genomic characterization of selfing in the cyclic parthenogen Daphnia magna

Inbreeding refers to the fusion of related individuals' gametes, with self-fertilization (selfing) being an extreme form inbreeding-involving gametes produced by same individual. Selfing is expected reduce heterozygosity average 50% in one generation; however, little known about empirical variation on a genome level surrounding this figure and factors that affect variation. We selfed genotypes cyclic parthenogen Daphnia magna analysed whole genomes mothers offspring, observing predicted reduction average. also saw substantial around value significant differences among mother-offspring pairs. Crossover analysis confirmed trend recombination occurring more often towards telomeres. This effect was shown, through simulations, increase variance compared when uniform distribution crossovers used. Similarly, we simulated inbred line production after several generations selfing observed higher achieved homozygosity consider rate Our simulation study highlights mean values show remarkable variation, which can help understand, for example, individuals.