DNA content and molecular karyotype of trypanosomes of the subgenus Nannomonas

Acta Trop. 1994 Jun;57(1):21-8. doi: 10.1016/0001-706x(94)90089-2.

Abstract

The relative DNA contents of representative stocks of 5 groups within the trypanosome subgenus Nannomonas (Trypanosoma simiae, Godfreyi, T. congolense Savannah, Forest and Kilifi) were measured by flow cytometry. The range of DNA contents formed a continuum. Nevertheless small differences were observed between the groups, with T. simiae/T. congolense Savannah and T. congolense Kilifi/Forest at the lower and higher ends of the range respectively. Analysis of karyotype by pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed all the 5 Nannomonas groups to have minichromosomes and variable numbers of small chromosomes in the 100-700 kb size range. The size and relative number of mini-chromosomes varied from group to group, but no correlation between molecular karyotype and DNA content was observed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis*
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Karyotyping
  • Species Specificity
  • Trypanosoma / classification
  • Trypanosoma / genetics*
  • Trypanosoma congolense / classification
  • Trypanosoma congolense / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan