Repetitive DNAs in Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponidae): chromosomal distribution and test of multiple heterochromatin amplification in the genus

Abstract

Melipona bees are remarkable due to the high contrast in heterochromatin amounts, making this group interesting for studying repetitive DNA amplification. Here, we performed the first efforts for the chromosomal localization of different repetitive DNAs in M. (Michmelia) scutellaris and tested for unique or multiple heterochromatin amplification in Melipona subgenera. Our data revealed enrichment of repetitive DNAs in chromosomal heterochromatic arms demonstrated by C0t-DNA and DOP-PCR probe hybridization, although microsatellites and multigene families were located at terminal euchromatic regions. Analysis using C0t-DNA probe from M. scutellaris showed positive hybridization only in Michmelia species, suggesting monophyletic amplification and sharing of heterochromatin sequences between species. However, the subgenus Melikerria, with a high amount of heterochromatin, probably underwent independent heterochromatin amplification or experienced sequence modification.