Model for fermion mass matrices and the origin of quark-lepton symmetry

Abstract

Several phenomenological features of fermion masses and mixings can be accounted for by a simple model for fermion mass matrices, which suggests an underlying U(2) horizontal symmetry. In this context, it is also proposed how an approximate quark-lepton symmetry can be achieved without unified gauge theories.

Comments: 12 pages, RevTex. Minor changes, some references added