EXTENSIVE PROTEIN AND MICROSATELLITE VARIABILITY IN AN ISOLATED, CYCLIC UNGULATE POPULATION

被引:47
作者
BANCROFT, DR
PEMBERTON, JM
KING, P
机构
[1] Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, Downing Street
[2] Department of Biology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, Gower Street
[3] Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, West Mains Road
关键词
ALLOZYMES; BOTTLENECKS; MICROSATELLITES; MOLECULAR VARIATION; NATURAL POPULATION; SHEEP;
D O I
10.1038/hdy.1995.47
中图分类号
Q14 [生态学(生物生态学)];
学科分类号
071012 ; 0713 ;
摘要
We investigated polymorphism at protein and microsatellite DNA loci in an isolated, unmanaged and cyclic population of Soay sheep on the island of Hirta, St. Kilda. Extensive molecular variation was revealed at both protein loci (mean heterozygosity 7.78 per cent) and microsatellite loci (mean heterozygosity 50.93 per cent). Typically, large mammals possess limited protein variation and we were surprised to observe such a level of protein heterozygosity, particularly considering the genetic history of the Hirta population. Indeed, compared to other mammals, Soay sheep lie within the top 17 per cent of the distribution of average protein heterozygosities. We discuss the level of protein heterozygosity in the context of other mammalian species, other breeds of sheep and the genetic history of Soay sheep. Possible explanations for a large average and interlocus variance in protein heterozygosity are proposed. Although little data are available from other studies to compare with microsatellite DNA variability in this population, we discuss the potential application of microsatellite markers to interpopulation and interspecific genetic studies.
引用
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页码:326 / 336
页数:11
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