Chromosomal inversion polymorphism of Anopheles funestus from forest villages of South Cameroon

Parassitologia. 2000 Dec;42(3-4):227-9.

Abstract

The polymorphism of paracentric inversions of Anopheles funestus polytene chromosomes was studied in three villages (Nkoteng, Obala, and Simbock) located in a forest area of South Cameroon in order to analyse the genetic structure of these populations. A total of 146-210 chromatids could be scored from specimens collected over about two years. A low degree of chromosomal polymorphism was observed with two floating inversions on chromosomal arm 2 (2h and 2d), and three fixed arrangements on arms 3 (3a and 3b), and 5 (5a). Such arrangement of inversions has never been recorded elsewhere so far. The chromosome analysis indicated that the population from Obala was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, whereas the samples from Nkoteng and Simbock showed a significant excess and deficit of heterokaryotypes, respectively. Significant differences in inversion frequencies on chromosomal arm 2 among villages lying in contrasting eco-climatic settings suggested an adaptive role of these inversions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles / classification
  • Anopheles / genetics*
  • Cameroon
  • Chromosome Inversion*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*