DNA of Akodon (Rodentia, Cricetidae). I. Biophysical characterization.

Buoyant density in CsCl, melting temperature, and G + C base content of the DNA from four species of Akodon (Rodentia, Cricetidae) were determined. The buoyant density values of 1.699-1.701 g/cm3 were in accordance with the data reported for other cricetids. No satellite bands were seen in neutral CsCl. The Tm values determined in 1 x SSC ranged from 86.2 to 87.0 C, which corresponds to G + C contents of 41.2-43.2%. There was good agreement in DNA base composition of the four species, although values were slightly higher in A. obscurus, suggesting a certain degree of interspecies variability.