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Evolution of ribosomal genes in the family Culicidae

Flávio Silva Faria; Orilio Leoncini

Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68.011, 21944 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Send correspondence to O.L.

ABSTRACT

In the present study we analyzed the structure and molecular organization of the ribosomal genes in 9 species of the family Culicidae. The results obtained using 3 restriction enzymes showed that ribosomal genes are relatively conserved in these insects in contrast to what has been reported for other organisms, especially Drosophila. Practically no intraspecific variability was detected among 4 different strains of one species. These data demonstrate that restriction endonucleases can be used to distinguish species in this particular family of insects.

Keywords: evolution; ribosomal; genes; Culicidae.

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