ISSN:
1617-4623
Keywords:
Mitochondrial DNA
;
Restriction-site heteroplasmy
;
Transmission genetics
;
Drosophila
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The composition of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was analyzed in single female flies that developed from fertilized Drosophila melanogaster eggs, into which germ plasm of D. simulans had been introduced. HpaII cleavage patterns showed that all 12 individual female flies examined had developed from eggs in which 37%–71% of the total mtDNA was D. simulans mtDNA (Ds mtDNA) and the rest was D. melanogaster mtDNA (Dm mtDNA). The stability of this heteroplasmic state in these isofemale lines was monitored for seven generations at both individual and population levels. Results showed that the heteroplasmy of Dm and Ds mtDNAs was stably transmitted for at least three generations at the population level, but showed stochastic segregation at the individual level. After 4–6 generations, all individuals lost Ds mtDNA. The mechanisms of preferential loss of Ds mtDNA and of transmission of heteroplasmic mtDNA to descendants are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00425689
Permalink
