Temperature-mediated seasonal variation in phosphoglucomutase allozyme frequency in the yellow dung fly, Scathophaga stercoraria

Molecular Ecology
P I WardW U Blanckenhorn

Abstract

The allozyme genetic variability of various species is correlated with a variety of morphological, physiological and fitness-related traits. In particular, temperature can affect the fitness of insects through its influence on enzyme function. We examined the seasonal (12 days over 1 year) and daily (nine samples over each day) allozyme variation at the phosphoglucomutase (PGM) locus in one population of yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria; Diptera: Scathophagidae). PGM is of central functional importance in the mobilization of glycogen reserves for flight, and has been shown to affect larval growth at different temperatures in the laboratory. Based on a sample of over 3000 flies, we found a quadratic relationship, with a minimum at approximately 12 degrees C, between the frequency of the most common allele and temperature, primarily mediated by seasonal temperature variation. This could be caused by behavioural responses over the short-term, but over the year either variable viability or sexual selection probably operates on this locus, maintaining the existing polymorphism. These results call for further work on the functional differences between PGM allozyme genotypes.

References

Nov 15, 1992·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·W B Watt
Dec 7, 2000·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·P I Ward
Sep 13, 2003·The American Naturalist·Michael J Angilletta, Arthur E Dunham
May 1, 1989·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·R B Huey, J G Kingsolver
Jun 1, 1997·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·D Atkinson, R M Sibly
Aug 1, 1990·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·William R TeskaJames M Novak
Oct 1, 1998·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Wolf U Blanckenhorn
Oct 1, 1994·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Lev Yu Yampolsky, Samuel M Scheiner

❮ 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.