Molecular Biology and Evolution, Vol 15, 709-717, Copyright © 1998 by Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution
RD Bradley, RM Adkins, RL Honeycutt and JH McDonald
Using the strictly neutral model as a null hypothesis, we tested for
deviations from expected levels of nucleotide polymorphism at the alcohol
dehydrogenase locus (Adh-1) within and among four species of pocket gophers
(Geomys bursarius major, G. knoxjonesi, G. texensis llanensis, and G.
attwateri). The complete protein-encoding region was examined, and 10
unique alleles, representing both electromorphic and cryptic alleles, were
used to test hypotheses (e.g., the neutral model) concerning the
maintenance of genetic variation. Nineteen variable sites were identified
among the 10 alleles examined, including 9 segregating sites occurring in
synonymous positions and 10 that were nonsynonymous. Several statistical
methods, including those that test for within-species variation as well as
those that examine variation within and among species, failed to reject the
null hypothesis that variation (both within and between species of Geomys)
at the Adh locus is consistent with the neutral theory. However, there was
significant heterogeneity in the ratio of polymorphism to divergence across
the gene, with polymorphisms clustered in the first half of the coding
region and fixed differences clustered in the second half of the gene. Two
alternative hypotheses are discussed as possible explanations for this
heterogeneity: an old balanced polymorphism in the first half of the gene
or a recent selective sweep in the second half of the gene.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Nucleotide polymorphism at the alcohol dehydrogenase locus of pocket gophers, genus Geomys
Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409, USA. izrdb@ttacs1.ttu.edu
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