Enzyme polymorphism and species discrimination in fruit flies of the genus Dacus (Tephritidae).

Australian Journal of Biological Sciences
S W McKechnie

Abstract

Sympatric populations of D. tryoni and D. neohumeralis are difficult to completely distinguish taxonomically. Using five pigmentation characters, each of some taxonomic value, a small proportion of individuals cannot be assigned to either species nor definitely classified as hybrids. To aid in species discrimination and hybrid identification gene frequencies in natural populations were estimated at three polymorphic protein loci, an alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh), an octanol dehydrogenase (Odh) and an esterase (E-2). Samples of flies were taken from four sites spread over 1200 miles along the Australian eastern coast. Within each species allelic frequencies at each locus were largely the same at all localities. Consistent differences in gene frequencies between species occurred at all three loci, strongly supporting the hypothesis of two distinct gene pools. The Adh locus best discriminated between species with a unique allele occurring in D. neohumeralis at a frequency of 0-85. None of the loci showed complete differentiation and hence it was not possible to find a quick and easy method to distinguish the species nor to detect field hybrids. Directional selection of laboratory populations for a change in callus colour (the best p...Continue Reading

Citations

Aug 11, 2000·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·J MorrowJ Sved

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.