Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2010) | Viewed by 202998

Special Issue Editor

Department for innovation in biological, agro-food and forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis s.n.c, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: population genetics; genetic diversity of livestock; biodiversity; molecular evolution; domestication; molecular analysis of ancient DNA; breeding strategies; genetic disorders; microarrays

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Diversity’s special issue we would like presenting the various methods available to assess biological diversity at the molecular level, with special consideration on innovative techniques, as of high throughput sequencing methods and high density microarrays. Also novel approaches as high-dimensional biology (the simultaneous study of “omic” sciences (including genomics for DNA variants, transcriptomics for mRNA, proteomics for proteins, and metabolomics for intermediate products of metabolism) will be taken into special account, in that they are promising as tools to address questions regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in various biological aspects, as diversity.

The issue is not restrict to any particular taxa. Contributions focusing on application of molecular methods to animals, including human, and also plants, will be considered, to enrich the presentation of novel applications.

Dr. Lorraine Pariset
Guest Editor

Related Journal

  • Genes - an Open Access journal of genetics and genomics.

Keywords

  • genetic diversity
  • polymorphism
  • SNP
  • microsatellite
  • molecular marker
  • biodiversity

Published Papers (18 papers)

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Research

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462 KiB  
Article
Telomere Length Diversity in Cattle Breeds
by Francesca Tilesi, Enea Gino Di Domenico, Lorraine Pariset, Luigi Bosco, Daniela Willems, Alessio Valentini and Fiorentina Ascenzioni
Diversity 2010, 2(9), 1118-1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2091118 - 31 Aug 2010
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 8390
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures that have two important functions: (i) protection of the chromosomal ends from deleterious events such as chromosome fusion and degradation; (ii) counteraction of the “end replication problem” by allowing telomerase-dependent or, more rarely, telomerase-independent telomere elongation. The DNA [...] Read more.
Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures that have two important functions: (i) protection of the chromosomal ends from deleterious events such as chromosome fusion and degradation; (ii) counteraction of the “end replication problem” by allowing telomerase-dependent or, more rarely, telomerase-independent telomere elongation. The DNA sequences underlying these activities are short simple tandem repeats, which in vertebrate consist of a variable number of TTAGGG. Telomeres dysfunction may be caused either by the absence of telomerase activity or by mutations in telomeric proteins involved in telomere length and structure regulation. Additionally, increasing experimental evidence suggests that telomeres take part in the complex network regulating cell proliferation. Accordingly, telomeres are involved in biological process such as aging and tumor progression. In this study we determined the telomere length in two bovine Italian cattle breeds, Chianina and Maremmana, which are characterized by high longevity and range breeding. In order to account for possible variation among different tissues, we have determined telomere length in different organs such as spleen, lung and liver. Overall, the median telomere length was significant lower in Chianina (11 ± 0.69 kb) than in Maremmana (12.05 ± 1.57 kb). Moreover, telomere length variation among individuals was very low in Chianina but rather high in Maremmana. These data suggest that telomere length is influenced by the breeds. This hypothesis is confirmed by the different history of these Italian breeds. Indeed, Chianina has a long history and its size was maintained by the Breeders Association without necessity to crossbreed with other breeds, whereas the population of Maremmana underwent a dramatic shrinkage in the recent past. Therefore, breeders have crossed Maremmana with other breeds, like Charolais, and have relaxed the rules for the inclusion in the herd book. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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370 KiB  
Article
Spatial Trends of Genetic Variation of Domestic Ruminants in Europe
by Denis Laloë, Katayoun Moazami-Goudarzi, Johannes A. Lenstra, Paolo Ajmone Marsan, Pedro Azor, Roswitha Baumung, Daniel G. Bradley, Michael W. Bruford, Javier Cañón, Gaudenz Dolf, Susana Dunner, Georg Erhardt, Godfrey Hewitt, Juha Kantanen, Gabriela Obexer-Ruff, Ingrid Olsaker, Clemen Rodellar, Alessio Valentini, Pamela Wiener and ECGDCEC
Diversity 2010, 2(6), 932-945; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2060932 - 17 Jun 2010
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 16103
Abstract
The introduction of livestock species in Europe has been followed by various genetic events, which created a complex spatial pattern of genetic differentiation. Spatial principal component (sPCA) analysis and spatial metric multidimensional scaling (sMDS) incorporate geography in multivariate analysis. This method was applied [...] Read more.
The introduction of livestock species in Europe has been followed by various genetic events, which created a complex spatial pattern of genetic differentiation. Spatial principal component (sPCA) analysis and spatial metric multidimensional scaling (sMDS) incorporate geography in multivariate analysis. This method was applied to three microsatellite data sets for 45 goat breeds, 46 sheep breeds, and 101 cattle breeds from Europe, Southwest Asia, and India. The first two sPCA coordinates for goat and cattle, and the first sPCA coordinate of sheep, correspond to the coordinates of ordinary PCA analysis. However, higher sPCA coordinates suggest, for all three species, additional spatial structuring. The goat is the most geographically structured species, followed by cattle. For all three species, the main genetic cline is from southeast to northwest, but other geographic patterns depend on the species. We propose sPCA and sMDS to be useful tools for describing the correlation of genetic variation with geography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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Article
Genome-Wide Loss of Diversity in the Critically Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal
by Jennifer K. Schultz, Amy J. Marshall and Monika Pfunder
Diversity 2010, 2(6), 863-880; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2060863 - 28 May 2010
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 9549
Abstract
Threatened species often exhibit low genetic diversity as a result of selective sweeps, historical bottlenecks, or persistent small population size. Whereas selective sweeps create localized reduction of variation at a chromosome, population bottlenecks result in the loss of rare alleles throughout the genome. [...] Read more.
Threatened species often exhibit low genetic diversity as a result of selective sweeps, historical bottlenecks, or persistent small population size. Whereas selective sweeps create localized reduction of variation at a chromosome, population bottlenecks result in the loss of rare alleles throughout the genome. Heterozygosity is lost more slowly and is severely impacted only when populations are small for an extended period of time. We test the hypotheses of selective sweep, historical bottleneck and persistently small population size to explain extremely low genetic diversity in the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Of 163 microsatellite loci isolated from the species’ genome, only 17 are polymorphic. Mapping 98 monomorphic and 12 polymorphic loci to 35 chromosomes throughout the dog genome, we reject the selective sweep hypothesis. Genotyping 2,423 Hawaiian monk seals at the 17 polymorphic loci plus a locus previously isolated from another pinniped species, we find evidence for a recent bottleneck (P = 0.04). This is consistent with historical records describing intense hunting in the 19th century; however, the bottleneck was not of sufficient severity and duration to explain the genome-wide depletion of genetic diversity (HO = 0.05; A = 1.1). Long-term population size restriction is a more likely explanation. Though at least two of the polymorphic loci appear to be candidates for selection, the low genetic diversity of the species may further threaten chances for survival of this critically endangered species in a changing world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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966 KiB  
Article
DNA Markers and FCSS Analyses Shed Light on the Genetic Diversity and Reproductive Strategy of Jatropha curcas L.
by Daria Gigliola Ambrosi, Giulio Galla, Marina Purelli, Tommaso Barbi, Andrea Fabbri, Sergio Lucretti, Timothy Francis Sharbel and Gianni Barcaccia
Diversity 2010, 2(5), 810-836; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2050810 - 25 May 2010
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 10218
Abstract
Jatropha curcas L. (2n = 2x = 22) is becoming a popular non-food oleaginous crop in several developed countries due to its proposed value in the biopharmaceutical industry. Despite the potentials of its oil-rich seeds as a renewable source of biodiesel [...] Read more.
Jatropha curcas L. (2n = 2x = 22) is becoming a popular non-food oleaginous crop in several developed countries due to its proposed value in the biopharmaceutical industry. Despite the potentials of its oil-rich seeds as a renewable source of biodiesel and an interest in large-scale cultivation, relatively little is known with respect to plant reproduction strategies and population dynamics. Here, genomic DNA markers and FCSS analyses were performed to gain insights into ploidy variation and heterozygosity levels of multiple accessions, and genomic relationships among commercial varieties of Jatropha grown in different geographical areas. The determination of ploidy and the differentiation of either pseudogamous or autonomous apomixis from sexuality were based on the seed DNA contents of embryo and endosperm. The presence of only a high 2C embryo peak and a smaller 3C endosperm peak (ratio 2:3) is consistent with an obligate sexual reproductive system. Because of the lack of either 4C or 5C endosperm DNA estimates, the occurrence of gametophytic apomixis seems unlikely in this species but adventitious embryony cannot be ruled out. The investigation of genetic variation within and between cultivated populations was carried out using dominant RAPD and Inter-SSR markers, and codominant SSR markers. Nei’s genetic diversity, corresponding to the expected heterozygosity, was equal to He = 0.3491 and the fixation index as low as Fst = 0.2042. The main finding is that seeds commercialized worldwide include a few closely related genotypes, which are not representative of the original Mexican gene pool, revealing high degrees of homozygosity for single varieties and very low genetic diversity between varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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183 KiB  
Article
Distinctiveness of Bean Landraces in Italy: the Case Study of the ‘Badda’ Bean
by Giulia Paniconi, Federica Gianfilippi, Pietro Mosconi and Andrea Mazzucato
Diversity 2010, 2(5), 701-716; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2050701 - 05 May 2010
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7620
Abstract
In this study, we present the morphological and molecular characterization of the ‘Badda’ bean, a landrace of outstanding organoleptic qualities that is diffused in the area of Polizzi in the province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy. This landrace is entitled to [...] Read more.
In this study, we present the morphological and molecular characterization of the ‘Badda’ bean, a landrace of outstanding organoleptic qualities that is diffused in the area of Polizzi in the province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy. This landrace is entitled to be valorized in the local market and therefore needs a thorough description to draw criteria to establish its distinctiveness from landraces with morphological and geographical proximity. Three ‘Badda’ accessions, representing the morphological variability within the landrace, have been evaluated together with suitable references. With the help of morpho-physiological traits, digital scanning of apical leaflets and ISSR molecular markers, we describe a spectrum of descriptors useful to distinguish the ‘Badda’ accessions among themselves and from similar landraces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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Article
Using Chloroplast trnF Pseudogenes for Phylogeography in Arabidopsis Lyrata
by Andrew Tedder, Peter N. Hoebe, Stephen W. Ansell and Barbara K. Mable
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 653-678; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040653 - 22 Apr 2010
Cited by 297 | Viewed by 9239 | Correction
Abstract
The chloroplast trnL-F region has been extensively utilized for evolutionary analysis in plants. In the Brassicaceae this fragment contains 1–12 tandemly repeated trnF pseudogene copies in addition to the functional trnF gene. Here we assessed the potential of these highly [...] Read more.
The chloroplast trnL-F region has been extensively utilized for evolutionary analysis in plants. In the Brassicaceae this fragment contains 1–12 tandemly repeated trnF pseudogene copies in addition to the functional trnF gene. Here we assessed the potential of these highly variable, but complexly evolving duplications, to resolve the population history of the model plant Arabidopsis lyrata. While the region 5’ of the duplications had negligible sequence diversity, extensive variation in pseudogene copy number and nucleotide composition revealed otherwise cryptic population structure in eastern North America. Thus structural changes can be phylogeographically informative when pseudogene evolutionary relationships can be resolved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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198 KiB  
Article
DNA Barcoding for Honey Biodiversity
by Alice Valentini, Christian Miquel and Pierre Taberlet
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 610-617; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040610 - 19 Apr 2010
Cited by 88 | Viewed by 14717
Abstract
Honey is produced by honeybees from nectar and from secretions of living plants. It reflects the honeybees’ diet and the local plant communities. Honey also shows different plant compositions in different geographical locations. We propose a new method for studying the plant diversity [...] Read more.
Honey is produced by honeybees from nectar and from secretions of living plants. It reflects the honeybees’ diet and the local plant communities. Honey also shows different plant compositions in different geographical locations. We propose a new method for studying the plant diversity and the geographical origin of honey using a DNA barcoding approach that combines universal primers and massive parallel pyrosequencing. To test this method we use two commercial honeys, one from a regional origin and one composed of a worldwide mix of different honeys. We demonstrate that the method proposed here is fast, simple to implement, more robust than classical methods, and therefore suitable for analyzing plant diversity in honey. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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Article
cTBP: A Successful Intron Length Polymorphism (ILP)-Based Genotyping Method Targeted to Well Defined Experimental Needs
by Luca Braglia, Antonella Manca, Francesco Mastromauro and Diego Breviario
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 572-585; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040572 - 15 Apr 2010
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11557
Abstract
There seem to be a certain degree of reluctance in accepting ILP-based methods as part of the range of molecular markers that are classically used for plant genotyping. Indeed, since DNA polymorphism results from difference in length of fragments amplified from specific gene [...] Read more.
There seem to be a certain degree of reluctance in accepting ILP-based methods as part of the range of molecular markers that are classically used for plant genotyping. Indeed, since DNA polymorphism results from difference in length of fragments amplified from specific gene loci, not anonymous sequences, the number of markers that can be generated is sometime inadequate for classical phylogeny studies. Yet, ILP-based markers have many other useful advantages that should not go neglected. We support this statement by presenting a large variety of data we have been collecting for a long while regarding the use of cTBP, an ILP marker based on difference in length of the introns present within the members of the plant beta-tubulin gene family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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Article
The Canarian Camel: A Traditional Dromedary Population
by Ursula Schulz, Isabel Tupac-Yupanqui, Amparo Martínez, Susy Méndez, Juan Vicente Delgado, Mariano Gómez, Susana Dunner and Javier Cañón
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 561-571; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040561 - 07 Apr 2010
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 11693
Abstract
The domestic camel (dromedary) is the most important livestock species in the Canary Islands and the most important autochthonous European camel population. After six centuries of a successful adaptation process to the particular environment of the Canary Islands, the abandonment of traditional agriculture [...] Read more.
The domestic camel (dromedary) is the most important livestock species in the Canary Islands and the most important autochthonous European camel population. After six centuries of a successful adaptation process to the particular environment of the Canary Islands, the abandonment of traditional agriculture has led this population to a major bottleneck. Along with a lack of foreign genetic interchanges, this could lead the population to the brink of extinction. Genetic analysis using 13 microsatellites showed the closest genetic proximity to the North African (Tindouf, Algeria) camel population and a certain degree of sub-division, with significant genetic differences among breeders. An important level of genetic differentiation among the different populations analyzed was found with a global FST value of 0.116. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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3612 KiB  
Article
The Rhizosphere of Coffea Arabica in Its Native Highland Forests of Ethiopia Provides a Niche for a Distinguished Diversity of Trichoderma
by Temesgen Belayneh Mulaw, Christian P. Kubicek and Irina S. Druzhinina
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 527-549; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040527 - 05 Apr 2010
Cited by 108 | Viewed by 10883
Abstract
The southwestern highlands forests of Ethiopia are the origin of the coffee plant Coffea arabica. The production of coffee in this area is affected by tracheomycosis caused by a soil-born fungus Gibberella xylarioides. The use of endemic antagonistic strains of mycoparasitic [...] Read more.
The southwestern highlands forests of Ethiopia are the origin of the coffee plant Coffea arabica. The production of coffee in this area is affected by tracheomycosis caused by a soil-born fungus Gibberella xylarioides. The use of endemic antagonistic strains of mycoparasitic Trichoderma species would be a nature conserving means to combat this disease. We have used molecular methods to reveal that the community of Trichoderma in the rhizosphere of C. arabica in its native forests is highly diverse and includes many putatively endemic species. Among others, the putative new species were particularly efficient to inhibit growth of G. xylarioides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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478 KiB  
Article
Molecular Analysis of Bacterial Community DNA in Sludge Undergoing Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD): Pitfalls and Improved Methodology to Enhance Diversity Recovery
by Anna V. Piterina, John Bartlett and J. Tony Pembroke
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 505-526; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040505 - 31 Mar 2010
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 12491
Abstract
Molecular analysis of the bacterial community structure associated with sludge processed by autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD), was performed using a number of extraction and amplification procedures which differed in yield, integrity, ability to amplify extracted templates and specificity in recovering species present. [...] Read more.
Molecular analysis of the bacterial community structure associated with sludge processed by autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD), was performed using a number of extraction and amplification procedures which differed in yield, integrity, ability to amplify extracted templates and specificity in recovering species present. Interference to PCR and qPCR amplification was observed due to chelation, nuclease activity and the presence of thermolabile components derived from the ATAD sludge. Addition of selected adjuvant restored the ability to amplify community DNA, derived from the thermophilic sludge, via a number of primer sets of ecological importance and various DNA polymerases. Resolution of community profiles by molecular techniques was also influenced by the ATAD sludge extraction procedure as demonstrated by PCR-DGGE profiling and comparison of taxonomic affiliations of the most predominant members within 16S rRNA gene libraries constructed from ATAD DNA extracted by different methods. Several modifications have been shown to be necessary to optimize the molecular analysis of the ATAD thermal niche which may have general applicability to diversity recovery from similar environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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144 KiB  
Communication
Molecular Polymorphisms in Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) as Revealed by RAPD Fingerprints
by Néjib Hasnaoui, Messaoud Mars, Jemni Chibani and Mokhtar Trifi
Diversity 2010, 2(1), 107-114; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2010107 - 18 Jan 2010
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 10126
Abstract
The genetic diversity among Tunisian pomegranate cultivars has been investigated. Using universal primers, the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to generate banding profiles from a set of twelve cultivars. Data was then computed with appropriate programs to construct a dendrogram [...] Read more.
The genetic diversity among Tunisian pomegranate cultivars has been investigated. Using universal primers, the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to generate banding profiles from a set of twelve cultivars. Data was then computed with appropriate programs to construct a dendrogram illustrating the relationships between the studied cultivars. Our data proved the efficiency of the designed method to examine the DNA polymorphism in this crop since the tested primers are characterized by a collective resolving power of 12.83. In addition, the cluster analysis has exhibited a parsimonious tree branching independent from the geographic origin of the cultivars. In spite of the relatively low number of primers and cultivars, RAPD constitutes an appropriate procedure to assess the genetic diversity and to survey the phylogenetic relationships in this crop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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Review

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774 KiB  
Review
Methods to Estimate the Diversity in the Marine Photosynthetic Protist Community with Illustrations from Case Studies: A Review
by Linda K. Medlin and Wiebe H.C. F. Kooistra
Diversity 2010, 2(7), 973-1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2070973 - 16 Jul 2010
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9925
Abstract
We review the application of molecular methods to estimate biodiversity in the marine environment. All of the methods reviewed here, which are at the forefront of molecular research, can be applied to all organisms in all habitats, but the case studies used to [...] Read more.
We review the application of molecular methods to estimate biodiversity in the marine environment. All of the methods reviewed here, which are at the forefront of molecular research, can be applied to all organisms in all habitats, but the case studies used to illustrate the points are derived from marine photosynthetic eukaryotic protists. It has been accepted that we know less than 10% of the identified diversity in the marine microbial world and the marine micro- and pico-eukaryotes are no exception. Even the species that we think we can easily recognize are often poorly described, and even less is known of their life histories and spatial and temporal trends in their abundance and distribution. With new molecular and analytical techniques, we can advance our knowledge of marine biodiversity at the species level to understand how marine biodiversity supports ecosystem structure, dynamics and resilience. Biogeochemical reactions performed by marine photosynthetic microbial organisms constitute a major sustaining component of ecosystem functioning, and therefore, affect climate changes. New interpretations of how environmental, ecological and evolutionary processes control and structure marine ecosystem biodiversity can be made so that we can augment our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in especially the pico- and nano-fractions of the plankton as well as in the deep sea benthos, both of which are very difficult to study without good analytical methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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240 KiB  
Review
Using Molecular-Assisted Alpha Taxonomy to Better Understand Red Algal Biodiversity in Bermuda
by Elisabeth N. Cianciola, Thea R. Popolizio, Craig W. Schneider and Christopher E. Lane
Diversity 2010, 2(6), 946-958; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2060946 - 17 Jun 2010
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 10139
Abstract
Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy has recently become an effective practice in reassessing biodiversity and floristics for a variety of different organisms. This paper presents a series of examples that have been drawn from biodiversity work being carried out on the marine red algae of [...] Read more.
Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy has recently become an effective practice in reassessing biodiversity and floristics for a variety of different organisms. This paper presents a series of examples that have been drawn from biodiversity work being carried out on the marine red algae of Bermuda. Molecular sequencing of DNA from Bermuda samples has already begun to greatly alter the makeup of the flora as it was known just decades ago, and will help set a new database for future comparison as climate change affects species composition in the islands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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562 KiB  
Review
Insights into Hemoglobin Polymorphism and Related Functional Effects on Hematological Pattern in Mediterranean Cattle, Goat and Sheep
by Elisa Pieragostini, Ingrid Alloggio and Ferruccio Petazzi
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 679-700; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040679 - 22 Apr 2010
Cited by 297 | Viewed by 11808
Abstract
This report is a review of some of the results obtained over the course of 20 years spent investigating hemoglobin phenotypes and the related functional effects on hematological patterns in ruminant breeds. Tests included qualitative and quantitative analyses of hemoglobins and qualitative and [...] Read more.
This report is a review of some of the results obtained over the course of 20 years spent investigating hemoglobin phenotypes and the related functional effects on hematological patterns in ruminant breeds. Tests included qualitative and quantitative analyses of hemoglobins and qualitative and quantitative analyses of α and β globins, as well as hemochromocytometric analysis. Understanding the adaptive significance of the hemoglobin variants was the goal of most of these investigations. The advances presented in this review and the previously unpublished findings included here provide evidence that Mediterranean breeds exhibit a fair number of positively charged variants, whose possible adaptive significance is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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399 KiB  
Review
DNA Barcodes for Marine Biodiversity: Moving Fast Forward?
by Adriana E. Radulovici, Philippe Archambault and France Dufresne
Diversity 2010, 2(4), 450-472; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2040450 - 25 Mar 2010
Cited by 147 | Viewed by 17625
Abstract
‘Biodiversity’ means the variety of life and it can be studied at different levels (genetic, species, ecosystem) and scales (spatial and temporal). Last decades showed that marine biodiversity has been severely underestimated at all levels. In order to investigate diversity patterns and underlying [...] Read more.
‘Biodiversity’ means the variety of life and it can be studied at different levels (genetic, species, ecosystem) and scales (spatial and temporal). Last decades showed that marine biodiversity has been severely underestimated at all levels. In order to investigate diversity patterns and underlying processes, there is a need to know what species live in the marine environment. An emerging tool for species identification, DNA barcoding can reliably assign unknown specimens to known species, also flagging potential cryptic species and genetically distant populations. This paper will review the role of DNA barcoding for the study of marine biodiversity at the species level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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400 KiB  
Review
On the Biological and Genetic Diversity in Neospora caninum
by Sarwat E. Al-Qassab, Michael P. Reichel and John T. Ellis
Diversity 2010, 2(3), 411-438; https://doi.org/10.3390/d2030411 - 22 Mar 2010
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 14054
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a parasite regarded a major cause of foetal loss in cattle. A key requirement to an understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of N. caninum is knowledge of the biological characteristics of the species and the genetic diversity within it. [...] Read more.
Neospora caninum is a parasite regarded a major cause of foetal loss in cattle. A key requirement to an understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of N. caninum is knowledge of the biological characteristics of the species and the genetic diversity within it. Due to the broad intermediate host range of the species, worldwide geographical distribution and its capacity for sexual reproduction, significant biological and genetic differences might be expected to exist. N. caninum has now been isolated from a variety of different host species including dogs and cattle. Although isolates of this parasite show only minor differences in ultrastructure, considerable differences have been reported in pathogenicity using mainly mouse models. At the DNA level, marked levels of polymorphism between isolates were detected in mini- and microsatellites found in the genome of N. caninum. Knowledge of what drives the biological differences that have been observed between the various isolates at the molecular level is crucial in aiding our understanding of the epidemiology of this parasite and, in turn, the development of efficacious strategies, such as live vaccines, for controlling its impact. The purpose of this review is to document and discuss for the first time, the nature of the diversity found within the species Neospora caninum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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Other

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174 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Tedder, A. et al. Using chloroplast trnF pseudogenes for phylogeography in Arabidopsis lyrata. Diversity 2010, 2, 653-678
by Andrew Tedder, Peter N. Hoebe, Yvonne Willi, Stephen W. Ansell and Barbara K. Mable
Diversity 2012, 4(1), 161-163; https://doi.org/10.3390/d4010161 - 21 Mar 2012
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5801
Abstract
In the original version of our article [1], insufficient acknowledgement was given for the source of some of the DNA samples used. We apologize for the original error. To correct this oversight, Yvonne Willi has been added as an author, a recent paper [...] Read more.
In the original version of our article [1], insufficient acknowledgement was given for the source of some of the DNA samples used. We apologize for the original error. To correct this oversight, Yvonne Willi has been added as an author, a recent paper by Willi, Y. et al. (2010) has been added, the acknowledgements have been altered to more appropriately recognize support and funding, and the sources of samples collected have been corrected in Table 1. [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Diversity Assessed by Molecular Methods)
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