Detection of the Genetic Relationship and Genetic Fingerprint of Real Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) using RAPD-PCR Markers in Iraq

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the molecular profiles of a number of species of real ants in some governorates of central and northern Iraq, as well as detect similarities and genetic differences based on molecular traits and determine the genetic fingerprint using RAPD-PCR indicators for 16 samples of real ants.
 Samples were collected and preserved according to the methods used in preserving insects, and the DNA was extracted using a new modified method that was derived from methods used to isolate DNA from animal and plant tissues. RAPD reactions were carried out using (10) primers from the RAPD-PCR markers, and the results were carried over on a gel. The agarose bands were viewed on the UV trans eliminator, and the bands were photographed and saved until the results were studied.
 The results of the RAPD-PCR markers showed different patterns of loci recognized by the primers on the genome of the samples, which is (141) loci, including one general locus for all samples and (140) divergent loci. While the primers (P3, P10) produced the least number of loci, it reached (12) loci. The total bands produced (total bands) from those loci were (720) bands, including (704) polymorphic bands and (16) main bands. P6) the least number of bands as it amounted to (46) bands, and the general variation ratio of the produced primers amounted to 99 The results of the statistical analysis showed that the values of the genetic distance ranged between (0.235 - 0.983), where the least genetic distance was between the two samples (15- Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 2) (16- Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 3), as it reached (0.235), and this is explained by the fact that there is a large similarity ratio Between the two species within the studied species, while the highest genetic dimension was between the two samples (2 - Cataglyphis Erbil) (16- Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 3), as it reached (0.983), and this is considered as the highest percentage of difference between the two species within the studied species, and this applies with the results of the genetic dimension of the traits appearance of the studied species.