Laboratory of Genetics

HEAD Vladimir A. BRYKOV, Cand. Sci. Biol.

STAFF numbers 18, including 1 Dr. Sci., 9 Cand. Sci.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Study of genetic processes in populations of marine invertebrates and fish; investigation into the molecular mechanisms of evolution in group of species of invertebrates and fish.

Genetic variability of marine invertebrates is studied in the context of their taxonomy and evolution. The population-genetic structure of settlements of these animals is investigated in relation to their rational exploitation and cultivation as well as conservation of the richness of genofond. Marine invertebrates (over 50 species of different phyla were examined) exhibit a marked genetic variability. The genotype composition of settlements of the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus, the oyster Crassostrea gigas and the scallop Patinopecten yessoensis has been studied in different localities on the coast of southern Primorye. High level of similarity has been found among the settlements from different localities. Microspatial genetic heterogeneity occurs in mussel and oyster settlements. A common far-eastern mussel previously referred to as Mytilus edulis has been reidentified as Mytilus trossulus. Research is continuing on the intra- and interspecific patterns of divergence of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in some groups of fish and marine invertebrates.

Investigations into the molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation are carried out on sea urchin embryos. The molecular genetic methods are used to study the DNA replication processes as a probable mechanism that determines the activity of genes in dividing and differentiating cells of embryos.

Phone: 31-04-19; 31-11-38