Odorant receptor (Or) genes: polymorphism and divergence in the D. melanogaster and D. pseudoobscura lineages.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In insects, like in most invertebrates, olfaction is the principal sensory modality, which provides animals with essential information for survival and reproduction. Odorant receptors are involved in this response, mediating interactions between an individual and its environment, as well as between individuals of the same or different species. The adaptive importance of odorant receptors renders them good candidates for having their variation shaped by natural selection.

Methodology/principal findings

We analyzed nucleotide variation in a subset of eight Or genes located on the 3L chromosomal arm of Drosophila melanogaster in a derived population of this species and also in a population of Drosophila pseudoobscura. Some heterogeneity in the silent polymorphism to

SUBMITTER: Conceicao IC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2954185 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature