DNA Characteristics in Species of Calomys (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

Abstract

The main DNA characteristics of the South American cricetid rodents Calomys musculinus and C. laucha were investigated and compared. The two DNAs were found similar in CsCl buoyant density and Tm values. Reassociation kinetics analysis showed three repetitive and one single copy DNA components in both species. Interspecific differences in the repetition frequency of Intermediate I component and in the complexity of the Slow component were revealed by the later approach. Relevant to the species difference was the finding of a high melting fraction in the DNA of C. musculinus. This fraction isolable by chromatographic thermal elution procedures was found to be enriched in highly repetitive DNA sequences. For each DNA specific electrophoretic patterns were obtained after Alu I digestions.