Multiple amylase genes inDrosophila ananassaeand related species

Abstract
Summary: The number and organization of amylase genes inDrosophila ananassaewere investigated through classical genetic methods andin situand filter hybridizations. At least four genes may be active inD. ananassae, organized as two independent pairs of closely linked copies on the 2L and 3L chromosomal arms. Several other species of theD. ananassaesubgroup were studied and show the same chromosomal locations, suggesting an ancient duplication event. However, the number ofAmycopies seems to be higher in theD. ananassaemultigene family, and there is a striking intraspecific molecular differentiation.