Ribosomal DNA evolution in Anopheles mosquito populations

The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene family is a classic example of metazoan concerted evolution whose multigene family DNA turnover is poorly understood despite often being an important taxonomic marker. The project will utilise quantitative PCR to follow the evolution of the important taxonomic marker in Anopheles mosquitoes (malaria vectors) in the Southwest Pacific and through crossing experiments between distinct rDNA genotypes of Anopheles farauti.

Supervisor: Dr Nigel Beebe