The distribution of P-element sequences inDrosophila: Thewillistoni andsaltans species groups

Abstract

This report describes the distribution of P-element sequences among members of the closely relatedwillistoni andsaltans species groups of the subgenusSophophora. Gel-blotting analyses showed that many, but not all, species from each of these groups possess sequences with homology to the P transposable element ofDrosophila melanogaster, a sophophoran species belonging to themelanogaster species group. Furthermore, P-homologous fragments are present in lower numbers inwillistoni- andsaltans-group species than inD. melanogaster P strains, and, in some species of those two groups, exhibit species-characteristic hybridization patterns. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that P elements have had a long evolutionary history in thewillistoni andsaltans lineages.