Mitochondrial DNA paradox: sex-specific genetic structure in a marine mussel--despite maternal inheritance and passive dispersal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

When genetic structure is identified using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), but no structure is identified using biparentally-inherited nuclear DNA, the discordance is often attributed to differences in dispersal potential between the sexes.

Results

We sampled the intertidal rocky shore mussel Perna perna in a South African bay and along the nearby open coast, and sequenced maternally-inherited mtDNA (there is no evidence for paternally-inherited mtDNA in this species) and a biparentally-inherited marker. By treating males and females as different populations, we identified significant genetic structure on the basis of mtDNA data in the females only.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report sex-specific differences in genetic structure based on matrilineally

SUBMITTER: Teske PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3465189 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature