Genome sizes and karyotypes in the razor clams Ensis arcuatus (Jeffreys, 1865) and E. siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

[Abstract] The razor clams Ensis arcuatus and E. siliqua show a diploid DNA content of 3.85 ± 0.049 pg and 4.00 ± 0.050 pg, respectively. Both have a diploid chromosome number of 38 although their karyotypes show remarkable differences. The karyotype of E. arcuatus consists of 4 metacentric, 1 metacentric-submetacentric, 7 submetacentric and 7 telocentric chromosome pairs, whereas that of E. siliqua possesses 3 metacentric, 7 submetacentric and 9 telocentric pairs. In situ hybridization using an 18S-5.8S-28S rDNA probe located this ribosomal locus on one chromosome pair for both species. Results demonstrate that large differences exist between them, probably caused by chromosome rearrangements along evolution of these two species, and increase the number of studies on bivalve cytogenetics.