Analysis of genetic heterogeneity among five gynogenetic clones of silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus gibelio Bloch, based on detection of RAPD molecular markers.

The gynogenetic silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus gibelio, is a unique model system for studying evolutionary genetics and selective breeding, owing to its specific genetic background and reproductive modes. Five gynogenetic clones were analyzed by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique, using 30 10-nucleotide-long primers. Twenty-six primers produced well-amplified DNA fragments with reproducible banding patterns, and 24 primers were polymorphic. Nearly identical banding patterns were observed among individuals within each clone, suggesting that each clone might possess a specific pattern owing to its gynogenesis. In contrast, the RAPD patterns of the five clones differed from each other. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using UPGMA cluster analysis based on a total of 3,744 distinguishable fragments (156 per individual). Average genetic distances within and among the five clones clearly indicated their intraclonal homogeneity, interclonal heterogeneity, and phylogenetic relationships. Clones A and P were the most closely related, whereas the most divergence was seen between clone D and clone E or F. A total of 88 polymorphic fragments were scored from 24 primers after excluding bands that were monomorphic for the five clones. Most primers corresponding to the polymorphic fragments amplified reproducible markers specific for one clone or that were shared by two, three, or four clones. Several primers (e.g., Opj-1, Opj-7, and Opp-10) produced abundant banding patterns that could be used to discriminate between the five clones. Markers specific for one or two clones were also identified. The RAPD markers identified in this study will likely benefit evolutionary genetics and selective breeding studies.