Tandem-repeat patterns and mutation rates in microsatellites of the nematode model organism Pristionchus pacificus.

ABSTRACT: Modern evolutionary biology requires integrative approaches that combine life history, population structure, ecology, and development. The nematode Pristionchus pacificus has been established as a model system in which these aspects can be studied in one organism. P. pacificus has well-developed genetic, genomic, and transgenic tools and its ecologic association with scarab beetles is well described. A recent study provided first mutation rate estimates based on mitochondrial genome sequencing and mutation accumulation line experiments that help resolve rather ancient evolutionary branches. Here, we analyzed the tandem-repeat pattern and studied spontaneous mutation rates for microsatellite markers by using the previously generated mutation accumulation lines. We found that 0.59%-3.83% of

SUBMITTER: Molnar RI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3429916 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature