Homologous sequences to the P transposable element in Drosophila subobscura

Abstract

The distribution of P homologous sequences among different strains of D subobscura is described. Southern analysis of genomic DNAs from the strains restricted with different enzymes showed rather homogeneous hybridization patterns. P homologous sequences are ubiquitous in D subobscura although they are present in a very low copy number. They are strongly divergent from that of D melanogaster and are probably not functional. These results are consistent with the idea that P elements are very old components of the D subobscura genome.