Cetacean molecular hybridization using balenopterid satellite DNA cRNAs as probes

Abstract

RNAs complementary to two unrelated DNA satellites of the mysticete genus Balaenoptera were hybridized to total DNA of several cetacean species. The results showed that sequences related to the light (o = 1.702/1.703) balenopterid sallite were not present in the odontocete materials investigated, Limited hybridization to bowhead DNA was registered. When cRNA from the heavy (p = 1.710/1.711) balenopterid satellite was used as a probe, hybridization was registered in all, both odontocete and mysticete, DNAs. Tm for intrageneric balenopterid DNA/cRNA hybrids was 63°C in 0.lxSSC. The corresponding figure for the balenopterid‐bowhead hybridization was 54°C. With the exception of the sperm whale, Tms for the balenopterid‐odontocete cRNA/DNA hybrids were 48°–50°C. Tm for the balenopterid‐sperm whale cRNA/DNA hybrids was lower. In the balenopterid karyotypes the heavy satellite occurs in terminal C‐bands; the same general pattern occurred in the bowhead. The results of the molecular hybridization are consistent with a monophyletic origin of odontocetes and mysticetes. Copyright © 1982, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved