Genetic studies of laboratory-rearedMytilus edulis

Abstract

Laboratory cultures of offspring from single families and a mass mating ofMytilus edulis were reared to the spat stage at different temperatures. Some cultures were reared further to the juvenile stage at the same, or at an altered temperature. Using electrophoresis, frequencies of genotypes at theOdh, Pgm, Gpi, Hex, EsD, Pgk andDia loci were recorded at the spat stage and, again, where possible, in juveniles. Significant deviations from expected genotype frequencies were observed at most loci in at least some cultures, but in no cases were these deviations related to the temperature at which the cultures had been reared. We speculate that these differences may have been due to variations in the density of mussel spat in the cultures. Very extensive and consistentPgm genotype-specific mortalities were evident in one family, and, in another family, consistent deviations were seen at theHex locus. Weaker, but nevertheless significant, deviations from expected genotype frequencies occurred at most other loci and it is concluded that, in most cases, the loci were acting as markers for a locus, or loci, on the same chromosome which had a strong effect on fitness. It is thought unlikely that evidence for similar levels of selection would be found in natural populations because, in wild populations, particular marker-locus genotypes would be associated with a range of genetic backgrounds rather than a single chromosome.