A simple electrophoretical way to distinguish between Drosophila melanogaster and its sibling D. simulans

Abstract

In this study, a simple and reliable mean of species separation via electrophoresis at an allozyme locus in mixed samples between Drosophila melanogaster and its sibling D. simulons is presented. Electrophoretical work in mixed and geographicaly distant fly samples showed that the locus glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (aGpdh) was quite efficient in separation between these two closely related species together with the distinctive marker locus alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh). The ADH (alcohol dehydrogenase) enzyme activity profiles were also significantly distinct and can therefore be referred to as supplementary data in electrophoretical analysis for species discrimination.