Molecular karyotypes of Eimeria tenella resolved by PFGE: an evaluation of different agaroses

Molecular karyotypes that revealed size polymorphisms between homologous forms of chromosomes 1, 2, 3 or 4 in three strains of the coccidial parasite Eimeria tenella were derived by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using brands of agaroses marketed either specifically for PFGE or for purposes such as protein electrophoresis or the separation of small molecules of DNA. Chromosomes up to approximately 4 Mbp were well resolved in agaroses marketed for non-PFGE purposes and these products clearly provide useful alternatives when supplies of dedicated PFGE agaroses are limited or withdrawn.