The Genetic Structure of Anophelines (Culicidae: Diptera): RAPD Versus Allozymes

Abstract

The genetic structure of the species related to genus Anopheles was studied using both allozymes and RAPDs (random amplified polymorphic DNA). More accurate genetic diversity and differentiation could be detected with RAPD markers than with allozyme profiles. The degree of population subdivision was also much greater for RAPDs than for allozymes. The dendrograms produced by each of these markers differed significantly. We believe that RAPDs represent more recent mutational changes and an accurate picture of genetic relatedness than allozymes which represent ancestral genomic qualities of species. Also the mutational rates of the genes or their allelic profiles can be recorded more accurately with RAPD procedure than with allozyme electrophoresis which tends to miss certain nucleotide sequences in the non-coding regions of the genome.

Assessment of genetic diversity within the Merodon ruficornis species group (Diptera: Syrphidae) by RAPD analysis

“…This technique has proven to be a reliable, cost-effective and rapid way to distinguish dipteran species [24], often detecting interspecies differentiation more accurately than other markers (e.g. allozymes) [47]. Applying this method to assess intra-and interspecific genetic relationships, various studies have reached conclusions on the taxonomy and phylogeny of dipteran taxa, emphasizing the importance of an integrative approach [24,25,26,47].…”

“…allozymes) [47]. Applying this method to assess intra-and interspecific genetic relationships, various studies have reached conclusions on the taxonomy and phylogeny of dipteran taxa, emphasizing the importance of an integrative approach [24,25,26,47].…”