Chromosomal organization of the ribosomal RNA genes in the genus Chironomus (Diptera, Chironomidae)

Abstract

Chromosomal localization of ribosomal RNA coding genes has been studied by using FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) in 21 species from the genus Chironomus Meigen, 1803. Analysis of the data has shown intra- and interspecific variation in number and location of 5.8S rDNA hybridization sites in 17 species from the subgenus Chironomus and 4 species from the subgenus Camptochironomus Kieffer, 1914. In the majority of studied species the location of rDNA sites coincided with the sites where active NORs (nucleolus organizer regions) were found. The number of hybridization sites in karyotypes of studied chironomids varied from 1 to 6. More than half of the species possessed only one NOR (12 out of 21). Two rDNA hybridization sites were found in karyotypes of five species, three – in two species, and five and six sites – in one species each. NORs were found in all chromosomal arms of species from the subgenus Chironomus with one of them always located on arm G. On the other hand, no hybridization sites were found on arm G in four studied species from the subgenus Camptochironomus. Two species from the subgenus Chironomus – Chironomus balatonicus Devai, Wuelker & Scholl, 1983 and Chironomus “annularius” sensu Strenzke, 1959 – showed intraspecific variability in the number of hybridization signals. Possible mechanisms of origin of variability in number and location of rRNA genes in the karyotypes of species from the genus Chironomus are discussed.

New faunistic data on Diptera (Hexapoda, Insecta) from the Ziarat Juniperus forest ecosystem (Pakistan)

“…This species has been documented in both Asia and North America, reflecting its almost cosmopolitan distribution ( Yan et al 2021 , System 2023 , Na et al 2010 , Kiknadze et al 2008 ). This species is documented for the first time in Ziarat (Fig.…”

“…This species is considered a good bioindicator ( Kiknadze et al 2008 ). The survival duration of this species is short-lived, appearing from July to the end of September.…”

A chromosome map of Belgica antarctica Jacobs (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Antarctica, including chromosome variability

“…The bands next to the nuclear organizer region (NOR), located in section 13, were not always well-expressed. The NOR is a functionally active sector of the chromosome with genes responsible for the synthesis of 18s and 28s RNA (Gunderina et al 2015). It is a giant puff that functions through all stages of larval development, and material of transcriptional activity is visible around it (using phase-contrast microscopy).…”