Abstract
The hard clam Meretrix meretrix is ecologically and economically important in the coastal regions of China. We evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure among eight M. meretrix samples from the Yellow Sea (YS) and South China Sea (SCS) using nine microsatellite DNA loci. Both conventional and model-based population genetic analyses suggested significant genetic divergence between YS and SCS regions (pairwise FST values ranging from 0.014 to 0.056). Samples within each region were not genetically different, except for Zhanjiang which clearly differed from other the four SCS samples. Membership coefficients, estimated by STRUCTURE, suggested some genetic admixture of the two genetic clusters in ZJ. Population genetic structure was detected in SCS region. We detected moderate levels of genetic variation in all eight samples (mean A = 16.111 - 22.111, mean Ar = 14.512 - 19.029, mean Ho = 0.736 - 0.843, mean He = 0.823 - 0.868) and two genetic clusters (mean A = 27.167 - 29.833, mean Ae = 8.834 - 9.471, mean Ar = 26.032 - 27.005, mean Ho = 0.824 - 0.839 and mean He = 0.821 - 0.850). Low levels of Ne estimates were detected in M. meretrix populations. None of the genetic populations had signs of recent genetic bottlenecks. Knowledge on genetic variation and population structure of M. meretrix populations along the Chinese coasts will support the aquaculture management and conservation of M. meretrix, and will provide insights for stock selection in selective breeding programs for these species and delineating management units.
Highlights
The hard clam Meretrix meretrix (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the largest clam species among the Venus-shells (Veneridae)
Knowledge of genetic diversity and population structure is critical for understanding population dynamics, which is important for delineating management units and maintaining a sustainable fishery (Thorpe et al, 2000)
The quantity and quality of the isolated DNA was examined by NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific) and by electrophoresis in agarose gel stained with SYBR Safe (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, CA, United States); once extracted, DNA was stored in 1 × TE buffer, quantified and diluted to approximately 20 ng/μl for further polymerase chain reactions (PCRs)
Summary
The hard clam Meretrix meretrix (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the largest clam species among the Venus-shells (Veneridae). It is an important marine bivalve with nutritive and medical value, and widely distributed in Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Saudi Arabian Gulf (Tang et al, 2006; Wang et al, 2006; Xie et al, 2012). The genetic conservation of M. meretrix is essential for the sustainable management of natural resources and to increase aquaculture production (Lu et al, 2011a). It can be used to guide the selection of high-quality parents
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
