- MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Molecular Typing MeSH
- Arthritis-Encephalitis Virus, Caprine * genetics classification MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: One of the prerequisites for polyploid research in natural systems is knowledge of the geographical distribution of cytotypes. Here inter- and intrapopulational ploidy diversity was examined in the Gymnadenia conopsea aggregate in central Europe and potential explanations and evolutionary consequences of the observed spatial patterns investigated. METHODS: DAPI flow cytometry supplemented by confirmatory chromosome counts was used to determine ploidy in 3581 samples of the G. conopsea aggregate from 43 populations. The fine-scale spatial pattern of cytotype distribution (intra- and interploidy associations) was analysed with univariate and bivariate K-functions. KEY RESULTS: Gymnadenia tissues undergo a progressively partial endoreplication, which accounts for about 60 % and 75 % of the total genome in G. conopsea and G. densiflora, respectively. Flow cytometric profiles are therefore species-specific and can be used as a marker for rapid and reliable species recognition. Two majority (4x, 8x) and three minority (6x, 10x, 12x) cytotypes were found, often in mixed-ploidy populations (harbouring up to all five different ploidy levels). The scarcity of the minority cytotypes (about 2·7 %) suggests the existence of strong pre- or postzygotic mating barriers. Spatial structure was observed in plots of populations with the highest cytotype variation, including clumping of individuals of the same ploidy and negative association between tetra- and octoploids. CONCLUSIONS: The remarkable ploidy coexistence in the G. conopsea aggregate has reshaped our perception of intrapopulational ploidy diversity under natural conditions. This system offers unique opportunities for studying processes governing the formation and establishment of polyploids and assessing the evolutionary significance of the various pre- and postzygotic mating barriers that maintain this ploidy mixture.
- MeSH
- Chromosomes, Plant MeSH
- DNA, Plant genetics MeSH
- Genetic Variation MeSH
- Genome, Plant MeSH
- Orchidaceae classification genetics MeSH
- Polyploidy MeSH
- Flow Cytometry MeSH
- Tetraploidy MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
- Slovakia MeSH
Two methods recommended for analysis of denatured proteins, automated Experion chip electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE, are compared. The Experion method is a novel technique based on combination of the LabChip microfluidic separation technique (Caliper Life Sciences) and sensitive fluorescent detection. Both methods were compared in molecular weight (MW) determination of a protein standard mixture, resolution of protein pairs of near molecular weights and estimation of the abundance of a target protein in the mixture to be purified. Both the methods are appropriate for MW determination and in purification of proteins. The accuracy of the methods is approximately the same (ca. 8 %), but the Experion method shows better reproducibility (ca. 1.48 %) than SDS-PAGE (ca. 2.17 %).