Genetic bottlenecks reduce population variation in an experimental RNA virus population.
Genetic bottlenecks are stochastic events that limit genetic variation in a population and result in founding populations that can lead to genetic drift. Evidence of past genetic bottlenecks in numerous biological systems, from mammals to viruses, has been described. In this study, we used an artificial population of Cucumber mosaic virus consisting of 12 restriction enzyme marker-bearing mutants. This population was inoculated onto young leaves of tobacco plants and monitored throughout the course of systemic infection. We show here that the genetic variation in a defined population of an RNA virus is significantly, stochastically, and reproducibly reduced during the systemic infection process, providing clear evidence of a genetic bottleneck.
Li
Hongye
H
Plant Biology Division, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, P.O. Box 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402, USA.
Roossinck
Marilyn J
MJ
D017799:Cucumovirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D040961:Genetic Drift; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D009154:Mutation; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000821:virology; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000821:virology
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D012367:RNA, Viral; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes