Random amplified polymorphic DNA variation among remnant big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii vitman) populations from Arkansas' grand prairie

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to characterize genetic diversity and genetic distinctiveness of Andropogon gerardii from remnant Arkansas prairies. Six oligonucleotide primers, which generated 37 RAPD bands, were used to analyse 30-32 plants from six Grand Prairie populations, Baker Prairie (Arkansas Ozarks), two Illinois prairies and two cultivars. Genetic diversity of the Arkansas remnants ranged from 82.7 to 99.3%, with 89% of the total genetic variation within and 11% among populations. The partitioning of genetic variation was consistent with that reported for other outcrossing perennial grasses, using the more conservative allozyme markers. Principal component analysis indicated a northern and southern association within Arkansas' Grand Prairie. Although there was no genetic structuring at the landscape level, the Illinois prairies and cultivars were different from all Arkansas prairies tested. There was significant within-population structuring in four of the seven Arkansas remnants, with a negative relationship between genetic similarity and geographical distance. The three nonstructured populations were from a linear railroad remnant, suggesting different population-level dynamics from nonlinear prairies. The results of this study indicated that small isolated remnant big bluestem populations were not genetically depauperate and that genetic relationships among populations could not be predicted solely on geographical proximity.     

Promiscuity in populations of the cushion plant Saxifraga oppositifolia in the Swiss Alps as inferred from random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Overviews on patterns of genetic variation within and among plant populations show that widespread, outcrossing species should have a high proportion of the total genetic variation within populations and a low proportion among populations, which results in little population differentiation. However, in Alpine areas, large–scale distribution barriers as well as small-scale habitat heterogeneity could lead to geographical and temporal isolation, respectively. We investigated the genetic variation of Saxifraga oppositifolia from 10 populations of the Alps in southeastern Switzerland using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Based on the banding patterns of four RAPD primers, 84 polymorphic markers identified all 189 sampled individuals as being genetically different. The genetic variation was mainly found within populations (95%), whereas less than 5% was found among populations and among regions. Analyses of molecular variance ( AMOVA ) suggested that population differentiation was highly significant. However, grouping populations differently into regions did not appear to result in a clear correspondence of genetic and geographical relatedness. Genetic variation did not significantly differ between populations of two elevational levels. This coincides with results of former pollination experiments that revealed a breeding system of S. oppositifolia which remains the same irrespective of the elevation. We assume that the high outcrossing rate, rare clonal reproduction, and some long-distance dispersal even among topographically separated populations are the crucial determinants for the pattern of genetic variation found in the investigated area.     

西瓜种质资源遗传亲缘关系的RAPD分析

利用 RAPD 技术对国内外32份西瓜主栽品种与其骨干亲本及野生类型的遗传亲缘关系进行了研究。从720个随机引物(10bp)中筛选出15个能产生稳定多态性的引物用于 RAPD 反应,共扩增出104条 DNA 带,其中多态性 DNA 条带43条,占41.35%,平均每个引物扩增的 DNA 条带的数目为7.0条。聚类分析将供试材料分为6个类群:1个东亚生态型类群、1个美国生态型类群、2个中间生态型类群和2个非洲野生型类群,与传统的西瓜生态型分类基本吻合。每个生态型类群都有其特有的扩增(缺失)条带,同时分析了同一生态型中各个品种之间的亲缘关系及其品种的特异条带。本实验结果不仅从分子水平验证了西瓜是遗传基础狭窄的作物,而且在分子水平对西瓜传统分类与地理生态型分类进行了分析。     

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers reveal less genetic variation in the endangered plant Cerastiumfischerianum var. molle than in the widespread conspecific C. fischerianum var. fischerianum (Caryophyllaceae)

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to assess the level of genetic diversity in an endangered plant Cerastiumfischerianum var. molle and the widespread conspecific C. fischerianum var. fischerianum. At both the variety and the population level, C. fischerianum var. molle had a lower level of RAPD variation than var. fischerianum. Analysis of molecular variance ( AMOVA ) showed that most of the genetic diversity exists among populations for both varieties. Genetic differentiation among populations probably resulted from the highly selfing habits of both varieties. To conserve C. fischerianum var. molle genetically, preservation of only a part of the population is insufficient.