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Sylva Donaldson


M.Sc.: 1997 - 1999

Co-supervisor: Dr. Gary Saunders, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada

Present occupation: Ph.D. candidate, University of Toronto, Canada

Thesis: Applying amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) methods to red algae with a preliminary investigation of population structure in Chondrus crispus Stackhouse

Sylva Donaldson photo Sylva Donaldson wearing the "famous tie".

Abstract: A new molecular technique, Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), was successfully applied to red algae. The AFLP technique is attractive as no prior sequence knowledge is necessary and only a minimal amount of DNA is required. The AFLP technique has been described as being reliable and reproducible, but contrary to previous studies, a lack of reproducibility of the AFLP technique was uncovered. It is suggested here that the use of more stringent DNA extraction and purification techniques may remedy the problem with reproducibility. The AFLP technique can be an excellent addition to the repertoire of fragment analysis methods, if caution is used in choosing DNA extraction and purification procedures.

After successfully developing the AFLP technique for use with red algae, I endeavored to perform a small scale population study on the red alga Chondrus crispus Stackhouse. Thirteen populations of C. crispus were analyzed with AFLP. Little population structure was uncovered, but the substantial genetic variation previously reported for C. crispus was confirmed. This genetic variation most likely accounts for the lack of population structure.