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Identification and isolation of microsatellite loci from the Trematode Echinostoma Trivolvis for use in interspecific and intraspecific variation studies

Author

Bradley J. Butcher, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Gregg Jongeward

First Committee Member

Lisa A. Wrischnik

Second Committee Member

Janet Koprivnikar

Third Committee Member

Kirkwood Land

Fourth Committee Member

Mark Brunell

Abstract

The aim of this project was to study the population genetics of Echinostoma trivolvis, a parasitic trematode that uses multiple hosts in its lifecycle and has a significant impact on amphibian populations. Microsatellite markers were to be identified and isolated because of their highly variable nature and reported ease of use with PCR. Parasite DNA was extracted from planorbid snails from several locations within California including: Point Reyes National Seashore, Lake Tahoe, and the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, parasite samples were obtained from Manitoba, Canada. Several microsatellites were identified and 29 PCR primers sets were designed, six of which were capable of amplifying consistently. Sequencing other published molecular markers, COl, NDl, and ITS, unveiled intriguing phylogenetic relationships and potential cryptic species. The echinostome population in central California, as a result of this project, may be much more diverse than has long been reported in the literature.

Pages

78

Recommended Citation

Butcher, Bradley J.. (2010). Identification and isolation of microsatellite loci from the Trematode Echinostoma Trivolvis for use in interspecific and intraspecific variation studies. University of the Pacific, Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/750