Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), mitochondrial DNA: genes and secondary structures for six t‐RNAs

Abstract

The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify six mitochondrial t-RNAs for Ala, Arg, Asn, Ser, Glu and Phe between genes for mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenases 3 and 5. With respect to Drosophila yakuba the gene order and direction of transcription is completely conserved. Analysis of secondary structure shows complete conservation of the anticodon loops but a number of differences in the dihydrouridine and T psi C loops with respect to Drosophila. However, differences are such that tertiary interactions that stabilize stacking are preserved. The use of the reported sequence in combination with PCR to explore population variability is discussed.

The mitochondrial genome of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata

“…The versatility of this tool and its wide use is best exemplified by the fact that some 35 000 entries in the EMBL database describe sequences derived from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Specifically for the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata , in addition to the genes mentioned, other entries concerned a cluster of transfer RNA (tRNA) genes (Frohlich et al , 1993), segments containing the genes encoding the subunits 4, 4L, 5 and 6 of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase gene as well as a partial sequence of the cytochrome B gene (Gasparich et al , 1995). As far as tephritids are concerned there are ninety-seven entries concerning two areas of the mitochondrial genome, the gene encoding the subunit II of cytochrome oxidase and partial sequences of the large ribosomal subunit.…”

“…These sequences had been used for studies of tephritid fruit flies Smith & Bush, 1997), aiming at resolving phylogenetic relationships of these agricultural pests. Specifically for the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata , in addition to the genes mentioned, other entries concerned a cluster of transfer RNA (tRNA) genes (Frohlich et al , 1993), segments containing the genes encoding the subunits 4, 4L, 5 and 6 of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase gene as well as a partial sequence of the cytochrome B gene (Gasparich et al , 1995). These sequences were derived from different isolates of the Medfly, namely from strains established from wild populations in Hawaii, Guatemala, Greece and North America.…”