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Genetic variability in endoparasitic helminths
1Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Genetic studies show parasitic helminths are highly variable, challenging the idea that stable host environments reduce genetic diversity. This research explores the selectionist-neutralist debate regarding gene function in parasite populations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Parasitology
Background:
- Biochemical genetic studies reveal significant polymorphism and heterozygosity in natural populations of endoparasitic helminths.
- These findings indicate that parasitic helminths exhibit genetic variability comparable to free-living invertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconcile the observed high genetic variability in parasitic helminths with the traditional view of stable host environments selecting for homozygosity.
- To examine alternative explanations for parasite genetic diversity, drawing from the selectionist-neutralist debate.
Main Methods:
- Review of biochemical genetic studies on endoparasitic helminths.
- Analysis of the implications of the selectionist-neutralist debate for parasite population genetics.
Main Results:
- Parasitic helminths display unexpectedly high levels of genetic polymorphism and heterozygosity.
- The genetic variability observed contradicts the hypothesis that stable internal host environments lead to parasite homozygosity.
Conclusions:
- The high genetic variability in parasitic helminths suggests that host internal environments may not be as homogeneous as previously assumed.
- The selectionist-neutralist debate offers potential explanations for this genetic diversity, questioning whether all genes are under selective pressure or if some are effectively neutral.