Linkage relationships and chromosome assignment of four esterase loci in the mosquito Anopheles albimanus

Although anopheline mosquitoes are important vectors of malaria, their genetic makeup has not yet been extensively investigated. The present studies concentrate on the genetic basis of esterases in Anopheles albimanus. Nine zones of esterase activity have been resolved by gel electrophoresis. Four of these esterases: EST 2, EST 4, EST 6, and EST 8 are present throughout all developmental stages and also possess allelic variation. Mass matings were carried out with homozygous males and females heterozygous for two or more loci. The analyses of the progeny from single egg batches revealed that the four esterase systems mentioned above are encoded in separate loci with codominant alleles. Analyses of two point and three point crosses have indicated the following linkage relationships: Est 8 -- 12% -- Est 4 -- 22% -- Est 2 -- 9% -- Est 6. The assignment of this linkage group to chromosome 3 has been accomplished by the use of a Y 2 chromosome translocation.