In contrast to the common assumption that each new mutant results from a unique, independent mutation event, clusters of identical premeiotic mutant alleles are common. Clusters can produce large numbers of related individuals carrying identical copies of the same new genetic change. By entering the gene pool in multiple copies at one time, clusters can influence fundamental processes of population genetics. Here we report evidence that clusters can increase the arrival and fixation probabilities and can lengthen the average time to extinction of new mutations. We also suggest it may be necessary to reconsider other fundamental elements of population genetic theory.

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A small decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase activity was found in translocation stocks of Drosophila melanogaster in which a section of the heterochromatic Y-chromosome is inserted proximal to Adh. This small position effect is consistent with our growing knowledge of the control and transcription of the Adh locus.