Molecular analysis of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) populations from the Greater Sudbury Region: genetic variation and gene expression

Abstract

The main objectives of the present study were to 1) analyze genetic variability of Q. rubra populations from the mining region of Sudbury (Ontario) using RAPD marker system and 2) analyze the expression of nickel and copper resistance genes in Q. rubra populations. The level of polymorphic loci within populations was high ranging from 61 % to 72% despite a high level of gene flow (2.4) and the population differentiation (GST) value was low (0.17). All Q. rubra populations analyzed were genetically sustainable. Moreover, this study revealed that all populations were genetically closely related with genetic distance values varying from 0.17 to 0.35. A zinc finger protein of Arabidopsis thaliana (ZAT11) involved in nickel resistance was differentially expressed in samples analyzed. There was a 120x up-regulation of ZAT11 expression in samples from metal contaminated areas of Wahnapitae Dam compared to other sites. No association between soil metal levels and expression of ZAT11 was established.