[Variability of satellite DNA in 2 groups of field mice (Rodentia, Microtinae)]

Nuclear DNAs of three forms of Microtus juldashi--M. carruthersi (group 1) and of three subspecies of polytypic species Alticola macrotis (group 2) were compared. Intensive interpopulational karyotype differentiation was observed in both groups, particularly, for centromeric heterochromatin quantity and localization. As satellite DNAs (satDNAs) were present in C-heterochromatin of the Rodents groups studied, the latter were used as a model for comparison of the satDNAs in the species in statu nascendi. With this view, the nuclear DNAs were studied by means of the neutral CsCl equilibrium centrifugation. In both groups examined, no correlation was found between the presence, the characteristics of the satDNAs and morphological as well as cytogenetic features of the animals. These results are an indirect confirmation of the idea, according to which satDNA does not possibly play significant role in the development of the reproductive isolation and species formation.