Studies on ribosomal DNA in cetaceans (whales)

Abstract

ARNASON U. and WIDEGREN, B. 1984. Studies on ribosomal DNA in cetaceans (whales).—Hereditas 101:149–154. Lund, Sweden. ISSN 0018–0661. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of 4 mysticetes and 10 odontocetes were studied by Southern blot hybridization. The material represented all extant cetacean families except the gray whales. In all species, digestion with Eco RI gave rise to two distinct bands, 7.7–8.7 and 6.6–7.4 kb in size. The fin, sei and sperm whales were studied with respect to rDNA polymorphism. None of these species showed polymorphism in the distinct fragments. Outside the distinct fragments, bands of lower hybridization intensity were observed in the sei and sperm whales. In the sei whale, 3 out of 17 specimens differed from the general pattern. In the sperm whale, all 17 specimens studied showed different patterns of rDNA polymorphism in the faint bands. Copyright © 1984, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved