Enzyme polymorphism in the freshwater mussel species, Aspatharia pfeifferiana (Mollusca, Lamellibranchiata) from southern Africa |
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| Authors: | F H van der Bank M van der Bank |
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| Affiliation: | Research Unit for Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems, Rand Afrikaans University, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, Republic of South Africa;Department of Botany, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, Republic of South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Gene products of 31 protein coding loci in Aspatharia pfeifferiana examined by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis revealed genetic variation at 10 (32.26%) of the loci studied. The mean number of alleles per locus was 1±39 (±0±11), and the average heterozygosity value was 0±074 (±0±026). Not only is this the first account of electrophoretic variants of this species, but also the results show that the species has less genetic variation than most other molluscs. Genetic variation compares favourably with values obtained for other invertebrate species and for fish from the same geographical region. A. pfeifferiana has sufficient variation to adapt to environmental changes or to be used in selection programmes. The results are useful for conservation stocking and it will undoubtedly aid in improving the systematics and phylogeny of freshwater clams in general. |
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| Keywords: | freshwater bivalves protein electrophoresis allozyme variation |
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