Abstract
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis is becoming increasingly popular as a method for generating molecular markers for population genetic applications. For practical considerations, it is generally assumed in population studies that AFLPs segregate as dominant markers, i.e., that present and absent are the only possible states of a given locus. We tested the assumption of dominance in natural populations of the damselfly Nehalennia irene (Hagen) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). Electro-blotted AFLP products from 21 samples were probed with individual markers. Eleven markers were analyzed, of which two were monomorphic and nine were polymorphic. Only two of the polymorphic markers behaved in a strictly dominant manner. The remaining seven polymorphic markers displayed various degrees of codominance, with 2-10 visible alleles in the sample. Of the three markers displaying the highest degree of variability, two contained microsatellite repeat tracts. Our results suggest that the assumption of dominance is unfounded. As a result, AFLP analysis may be unsuitable for estimating several important population genetic parameters, including genetic diversity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.