F.A.A. Al-Mfrji1*, R.Z.M. Al-Sugmany2, W.J. Al-Jubouri3, A.H. Al-Ghannam4
(1) Department of Visual Technologies, Faculty of Health and Medical technologies, Northern Technical University, El-Dor, Iraq; (2) Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Tikrit University, Iraq; (3) Technology Institute, Northern Technical University, El-Howayjah, Iraq; (4) Faculty of Women Education, Tikrit University, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
The aim of the current study was to investigate the genetic variation in mitochondrial DNA and the mutation rate in the genes of Messor ant individuals, using four samples collected from different regions of Iraq (Erbil, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah-1, and Sulaymaniyah-2). Each sample was collected from a distinct geographic point, approximately 100 km apart to ensure spatial separation among the sampling sites. Samples were collected from the four locations, each consisting of a number of ants placed in special collection bags. The samples were transferred to the laboratory, where genomic DNA was extracted. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was carried out using primers specific to the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI), a widely used marker in DNA barcoding analysis. Subsequently, DNA sequencing of the COI gene was performed. Sequences obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. The total number of mutations, the proportions of transition and transversion mutations, and the genetic similarity with reference sequences in the GenBank database were determined using BLAST analysis. The results were expressed in terms of percentage sequence homology. All samples were identified as belonging to the genus Messor. The study revealed the presence of three distinct species: Messor decipiens Santschi, Messor picturatus Santschi, and Messor striaticeps, in addition to other unidentified forms referred to as Messor sp. The similarity values for COI gene sequences were found to be 94%, 96%, 95%, and 96% for samples 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. It can be concluded from the current study that there was a high degree of genetic variation in the COI gene among Messor ants. This variation is likely attributed to the significant influence of environmental factors in the habitats where these ants were collected.
Molecular profiling, ants, Messor, DNA sequencing.
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001454