Variability of the dna content in five orthopteran species

Abstract

The DNA content of five Orthopteran species from the genus Chorthippus, Gomphocerus and Heteracris was calculated using an integrating microdensitometer. Results show that values are between 6–14×10−12 gr. Heteracris adspersus, which is the unique analyzed species with 2n = 23 show the lowest value; the rest of the species show values of a relatively similitude. Nevertheless, differences exist between genera and between species within genus when an analysis of variance test was applied. The possible relationship with duplication processes and the obtained results are discussed.