Mitochondrial genome sequences reveal deep divergences among Anopheles punctulatus sibling species in Papua New Guinea.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Members of the Anopheles punctulatus group (AP group) are the primary vectors of human malaria in Papua New Guinea. The AP group includes 13 sibling species, most of them morphologically indistinguishable. Understanding why only certain species are able to transmit malaria requires a better comprehension of their evolutionary history. In particular, understanding relationships and divergence times among Anopheles species may enable assessing how malaria-related traits (e.g. blood feeding behaviours, vector competence) have evolved.

Methods

DNA sequences of 14 mitochondrial (mt) genomes from five AP sibling species and two species of the Anopheles dirus complex of Southeast Asia were sequenced. DNA sequences from all concatenated protein coding genes (10,770 bp) we

SUBMITTER: Logue K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3577438 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature