CAA: Molecular Methods in the Study of Evolution of SterileSoldier Morphs in Aphids

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Social aphids provide a new arena for the study of the evolution of sterile altruistic castes. Two basic issues that have not been addressed in any social aphid are the mechanism of origin of a discrete sterile caste and the relatedness of the defending individuals to their beneficiaries. Molecular methods will be used to test a specific hypothesis for the origin of a sterile caste in some Pemphigus species. Under this hypothesis, some individuals are forced into sterility because they lack endosymbionts at birth. The tests depend on methods for the molecular detection of sequences previously established as unique in aphid endosymbionts; the hypothesis predicts that these are present in all individuals except sterile defenders. In addition, genetic fingerprinting methods will be developed and used to examine the genotypic composition of colonies of a social and non-social Pemphigus species. In both segments of this project, previously existing laboratory cultures of Pemphigus clones will provide controls and test material. These methods will be useful in future investigations concerning the genetic structure of partially clonal aphid populations. The research involves an important group of insects which feed on native American trees.