RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) profiles distinguish Paracentrotus lividus populations living in a stressing environment (Amvrakikos Gulf, Greece)

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed to assess genetic markers of Paracentrotuslividus populations living in stressing environment in the Amvrakikos Gulf (Western Greece, Ionian Sea)where two populations distinguishable in body size, smaller than the open sea ones, were detected.The UPGMA dendrogram, constructed from pairwise . st values among population nuclear DNA markers, revealedthat the small and medium-sized populations living inside the Amvrakikos presented a lower polymorphism,and form a cluster that shows the genetic distance with normal-sized populations (Ionian and TyrrhenianSeas) living in open sea. AMOVA analysis indicated a genetic distance among the sea urchin populations fromthe Tyrrhenian sea and Ionian sea.