Variation In Mitochondrial DNA As A Means Of Analyzing Invertebrate Populations

Abstract

Because of the similar properties of mitochondrial DNA and plasmid DNA, methods for the isolation of plasmid DNA can be adapted for the isolation of mitochondrial DNA. In the present study, a method for mitochondrial DNA isolation and analysis was used in an attempt to gain information about variability in a local population of snails (Helisoma sp.). DNA obtained from the foot of the snail was cleaved with the restriction endonuclease EcoR1, electrophoresed on agarose gels and stained. Although problems with the method prevented the principal goal of the project from being reached, a method was developed which should permit future analyses of genetic variability.