Estimating population structure in diploids with multilocus dominant DNA markers

Mol Ecol. 1999 Jun;8(6):907-13. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-294x.1999.00620.x.

Abstract

Multilocus DNA markers [random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLPs)] are important for population studies because they reveal many polymorphic loci distributed over the genome. The markers are dominant, that is two phenotypes are distinguished at each locus, with a band and with no band. The latter one represents null-homozygotes with unamplified, recessive null-alleles. The frequency of a null-allele can be estimated by taking the square root of the fraction of individuals with no band. Lynch and Milligan (1994) have suggested a modified procedure that reduces bias introduced by the square-root transform. However, the procedure recommends to ignore those samples in which fewer than four null-homozygotes are observed. This may lead to significant bias in estimates of genetic diversity. In this study, I introduce a Bayesian approach to estimation of null-allele frequencies for dominant DNA markers. It follows from computer simulations and data on two conifer species that the Bayesian method gives nearly unbiased estimates of heterozygosity, genetic distances and F-statistics. The influence of a prior distribution and departure from Hardy-Weinberg proportions on the estimates is also considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA, Plant / analysis
  • Diploidy
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genes, Dominant*
  • Genes, Recessive
  • Genetic Markers*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique*
  • Trees / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • Genetic Markers