Analysis of DNA Polymorphisms in Arabic Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique

Camel populations in Iraq are facing a severe decline which demands immediate actions to ensure its conservation. This study was carried out at molecular genetics laboratory, college of agriculture, university of Basrah. Twenty four blood samples were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to investigate genetic similarity and diversity among and within three Arabic camel flocks (Camelus dromedarius) represented in Basrah, Thy Qar and Muthanna provinces. Ten random primers were used to amplify DNA fragments in these three flocks. Among ten tested RAPD primers, 6 primers generated novel and polymorphic DNA fragments in all tested samples. A total of 381 bands were obtained, 168 of them were polymorphic. The number of polymorphic bands in each population was found to be different and was higher in the Muthanna than in Thy Qar and Basrah provinces (76, 50 and 42) bands, respectively. Number of polymorphic bands in Muthanna province population was approximately 1.5 times as diverse as that in Basrah and Thy Qar provinces populations. Comparison of banding patterns in Muthanna, Basrah and Thy Qar populations revealed substantial differences that the populations may have been subjected to a long period of geographical isolation from each other. Relationship was determined on the base of polymorphic products analysis and presented in the form of dendrogram (UPGMA percent method). There is a significant correlation between geographical distance and genetic distance between populations. RAPD analysis confirmed the presence of genetic variation within tested Arabic camel. The obtained data will help build conservation strategies to avoid the extinction of animals from their natural habitats in the future. RAPD technique makes it ideal for genetic mapping, plant and animal breeding programs and DNA fingerprinting, with particular utility in the field of population genetics. This study compared, for the first time, variation in DNA fingerprinting of Arabic camels in Iraq.