Abstract Detail

Population Genetics

Korpelainen, Helena [1], Kostamo, Kirsi [2], Olsson, Sanna [1].

Population genetics of the red alga Furcellaria lumbricalis along a salinity gradient.

Population genetics of Furcellaria lumbricalis, which is a perennial red alga occurring in cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, was investigated in northern Europe. There it occupies a range of habitats varying in salinity, some habitats being clearly marginal for the species. In this study, populations originating from different habitats were examined using microsatellite data. First, we developed presumably neutral microsatellites using genomic screening with ISSR primers. For the discovery of adaptive microsatellite and other possible markers, EST libraries were created and sequenced, and primers were developed for a set of EST-linked microsatellites. The level, structure and distribution of genetic variation based on both neutral and adaptive markers were investigated and compared. Selection is considered to act on adaptive loci only, whereas genetic drift, gene flow and reproductive patterns affect genetic variation at all loci to the same extent. The aim was to reveal whether the divergence pattern among populations differs between the neutral and adaptive marker sets, and to link genetic variation patterns found within populations with an environmental factor, i.e., salinity.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Helsinki, Department of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 27, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
2 - The Finnish Environment Institute, Mechelininkatu 34a, Helsinki, FI-00251, Finland

Keywords:
genetic structure
microsatellites
EST
red algae
salinity gradient.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 35
Location: 556A/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 35005
Abstract ID:179