The Major Histocompatibility Complex class II B (MHC II B) gene encodes a protein that is part of the adaptive immune system and critical for the non-self recognition ability of immune cells. This gene has been characterized in the Bald Eagle, ten unique alleles were found in two subpopulations at the geographic extremes of the range margins. Geographic genetic variation is suggested by the presence of population specific alleles. The results showed considerable divergence of groups of Bald Eagle alleles when compared to alleles from other birds of prey. Particular codons within the exon II show signs of balancing selection driving the evolution of the MHC II B. Transcription data showed statistically significant differential expression of alleles. This can be interpreted as meaning a particular locus is being preferentially expressed in blood. The analysis of the polymorphism of this adaptive marker may aid managers of wildlife during this age of global climate change and the biodiversity crisis. / by Andrew Smith. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_3597 |
| Contributors | Smith, Andrew., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences |
| Publisher | Florida Atlantic University |
| Source Sets | Florida Atlantic University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | viii, 48 p. : ill., electronic |
| Rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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