LE3 .A278 2007

2007

Snyder, Marlene

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

The purpose of this study was to sequence the mitochondrial genome of a North American species of scallop and examine it in a phylogenetic context. The mitochondrial DNA of the bay scallop, 'Argopecten irradians', has been completely sequenced. The entire length was determined to 16221 by long and to code for 12 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. The 'atp8 ' gene was noted to be absent from the genome as in other bivalves. An additional 'trnM' was not located in the genome, a feature noted in other sequenced bivalves. The gene order is unique among molluscs with few shared gene boundaries when compared to other molluscs. The genome was found to be AT-rich (56.93%) and within the range previously noted for other sequenced molluscs. After obtaining the sequence of 'Argopecten irradians' a phylogenetic analysis of existing bivalve ribosomal RNA genes was conducted. Numerous trees were produced, most in agreement with established phylogenies. Bivalve phylogenies generated from protein coding and gene order data deviated from established phylogenies. The possible reasons for this and the implication for phylogenetic studies are discussed.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2859